Sri Lanka vs Australia , Full Score Card

FOUR! SRI LANKA WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND QUALIFY FOR THE SUPER 8s! Full, around middle, Pavan Rathnayake gets down on a knee and sweeps it behind square leg for a boundary!

THE FIRST CENTURY OF THE 2026 T20 WORLD CUP! Second ton for Nissanka in T20Is as well. Pallekele is on its feet. The coach loves it, his country loves it and Nissanka is standing in the middle, with his helmet off and arms aloft! Just 52 balls for his century, comprising of 10 fours and 5 sixes. What a knock. Take a bow. Gets there with a gentle pull through mid on for a single.

Fuller, around off, Nissanka leans and scoops it over the bowler, down to long on. Rathnayake charges back for the second for his partner. Nissanka on 99!

Wow. This is getting exciting. Sri Lanka need 5 to win, Nissanka needs 3 for a century!

FOUR! Just toying around with the field! Full in length, and a googly turning into the stumps, Pathum Nissanka drops to a knee and sweeps it powerfully through square leg, beating deep square leg to his left for a cracking four.

Sharp turn, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka uses the depth of the crease and dabs it to backward point.

FOUR! Nissanka moves into the 90s. Zampa dishes out a leg break, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka gets down on a knee and sweeps it aerially. It goes one bounce into the fence at deep backward square leg. Sri Lanka need 9 more off 17 balls.

Final over of the game? With the way this chase has taken shape, seems highly likely! Adam Zampa to probably finish things off. Sri Lanka need 13, Nissanka needs 11!

Full and wide outside off, Pathum slashes this to deep point for one. 18 from the over, 48 in the last 3!

SIX! CHEEKY! Full, around middle and off, Nissanka gets down and across and laps this beautifully over fine leg! 14 more needed now!

WIDE. Ellis goes fuller, but this is miles outside off. Left alone.

SIX! Nissanka and Sri Lanka are unstoppable! A short ball, following the batter down the leg side, Nissanka backs away to the leg side and throws his bat at it. Connects well and sends this flying over deep backward point!

Full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka leans into it and drills it to long off for a brace. Steve Smith, who is on as a substitute, charges in but fumbles on the first attempt, which allows the batters to cross over again. This also brings up the 50-run partnership between Nissanka and Rathnayake.

Ellis slows it up again, full and around off, from around the stump. Pavan Rathnayake covers the line by shuffling a bit across and drills it to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Slower short ball, on off, Nissanka pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! Lucky escape again! Fired, on middle, Pavan Rathnayake comes down the track but is not to the pitch of the ball. He looks to flick but the ball goes off the inside edge, past the keeper and it races through fine leg.

RATHNAYAKE SURVIVES A STUMPING APPEAL. One can say, by the barest of margins. Flighted, outside off, Rathnayake gets down and looks to defend but is drawn forward. The keeper collects the ball and whips the bails off and appeals. The square leg umpire refers this upstairs and the replay shows this to be tight. The third umpire takes a couple of looks and decides that there is something behind the line. Oooff... looks very close.

Stumping appeal. Inglis is confident and it has been referred upstairs. Ummm... just in.

FOUR! FETCH THAT! Full, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake gets down on a knee and sweeps this powerfully over mid-wicket. Flat and one bounce into the ropes!

Quicker ball, on the stumps, Pavan Rathnayake gets on his knee and smashes it with a flat bat, but straight to Maxwell who stops it in his followthrough, to his left.

Across the batter, on a length, Pathum Nissanka hangs deep in the crease and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and flat, outside off, Pavan chop-cuts it to deep point for a single.

SIX! FEROCIOUS! Short, outside off, Nisaanka rocks back and heaves it over mid-wicket for a biggie!

FOUR! Third boundary of the over!  Sri Lanka are rocketing home now. On a length, around off, Nissanka heaves it over the bowler and gets a boundary down the ground!

WIDE. Slower ball goes awry. Full and down the leg side, Nissanka gets down to sweep but misses.

A bouncer, outside off, Pathum Nissanka jumps down the track and slashes hard but misses.

FOUR! Such a good shot! On a back of a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka waits for it to arrive and dabs it off the back foot, to the right of short third and it races to the fence.

On a length, on the pads, whipped off the back foot to deep backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! Up and over! A gentle-paced delivery, full and outside off, Pavan Rathnayake lifts it over extra cover for a boundary. An error ball from Stoinis with mid off and cover in the ring.

DRINKS BREAK. 61 needed in 6 overs. This is a total mockery of a pretty decent score of 181. The Aussies are looking short of options and one can understand why they were going hammer and tongs while batting first. Even 220 looks under threat in these conditions.

FOUR! Quality shot. Tossed up, full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka shimmies down, meets it on the pitch and lofts it straight back over the bowler for four.

BEATEN! Skids through and stays on a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka tries to play the late cut, but misses.

Full, outside the off stump. Nissanka shimmies forward and nudges it through square leg for a brace.

Short and on off, Pavan drags it across to wide long on for a single.

Full toss outside off, Pavan Rathnayake charges down and drives it straight to short extra cover. He will feel that he missed out.

Flat and full, outside off, Pathum plays it very late and dabs it to the left of short third for a single.

Play and a miss! On a hard length outside off. Rathnayake flashes and misses it on the outside edge as the ball kicks up and breezes past his blade.

On a good length, outside off, steered off the back foot to backward point.

FOUR! Short of a length outside off. Rathnayake is late on the cut and gets a thick outside edge, which flies between the keeper and short third for a boundary.

FOUR! Not in control, but in the gap! A bit full and outside off, holds on the surface slightly, Pavan Rathnayake chips it uppishly, but in the gap at cover and it races away to the ropes.

Pavan Rathnayake walks in next, at number 4, replacing Kusal Mendis.

OUT! TAKEN! Pallekele goes silent as Stoinis breaks the 97-run partnership for the second wicket. Length ball on middle at 130.9 kph, Kusal Mendis looks to go big with a front foot heave but miscues it towards the longer side of the boundary. It goes high but not far, and Cooper Connolly settles under it at the edge of the boundary to take it safely in the deep mid-wicket region.

Fuller and around off, punched in front of cover for a quick single. Smith, the sub fielder, collects the ball.

Good length on the stumps, Glenn Maxwell gets extra bounce. Kusal Mendis shuffles across, goes for the paddle on one knee, but gloves it to short fine.

FIFTY FOR PATHUM NISSANKA NOW! Off just 32 balls. On a length on the stumps at 96.9 kph, Pathum Nissanka hangs back and works it through mid-wicket for a single. A slight hesitation at the start, but it ends well for him and Sri Lanka as they cross strikes. 19th T20I fifty for Nissanka. He has been simply brilliant in this chase so far.

Full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka drops to a knee and sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Short of a length on the stumps. Mendis hangs back and clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

A touch short, spinning in sharply, tucked into the leg side for a single. 100 UP FOR SRI LANKA!

FIFTY FOR KUSAL MENDIS! His third consecutive half century in this World Cup. Pushed through, full and on middle, Mendis lunges in front and clips it to widish long on for a single. The players and the coaches in the Sri Lankan dugout are up on their feet.

Full again, outside off, Pathum Nissanka leans on and knocks it straight to Mitchell Marsh stationed at extra cover. A quiet over from Australia's point of view. Just 5 from it. Sri Lanka need 84 runs from 54 balls.

At pace now, full and outside off, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot and drives it all along the carpet to deep cover for one more.

Ellis pulls his length back and goes pace off again, at 112.5 kph. Pathum Nissanka presses back and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

The back-of-the-hand slower ball at just 113.6 kph, full and around off, Kusal Mendis waits and then eases it through covers for a single.

A bit of a halt in play. Pathum Nissanka has been hit flush near the ankle bone and he has taken his pads off, and even the shoe and the socks. The physio is out in the middle but the good thing is that Nissanka is not in agony. A single spray of the magic spray should numb the pain. All in readiness now and Pathum sports a smile as well.

A big shout for LBW, but not given. Regardless, that's a top nut. A pinpoint yorker, tails in late on the leg stump line. Pathum Nissanka's head falls over as he tries to jam the bat down to carve it to the leg side, but gets a faint inside edge on the right ankle before the ball trickles to the backward square leg region. The batters take the single but then Pathum goes down on the ground and looks in a lot of pain.

Full and on the pads, Mendis wrists it to deep square leg for a single.

Halfway stage of the run chase. Australia are ahead but the game seems to be slipping at a quick rate from them here. The ball is coming onto the bat nicely and they are just not able to stop the flow of runs. Nathan Ellis returns. 1-0-9-0 so far.

Another piece of excellent fielding! Short and wide, Kusal hops back and cuts it past backward point, but Nathan Ellis races across to his left and dives to save a run. The replay shows that it is a clean effort.

Around off, pushed to cover.

Loopy delivery around off, right in the blockhole, Pathum Nissanka squeezes it to the right of backward point for a single.

This time, Mendis sweeps the full ball in front of square to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Top effort in the deep! Fraction fuller, on middle, Mendis sweeps it by getting down on a knee. The ball rolls between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. The former fielder dives to his left and palms the ball to the converging fielder from the latter position. Two taken.

Looped up full and on off, Pathum Nissanka advances and runs it down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Full around leg at 93.9 kph, Kusal Mendis drops to one knee and sweeps it firmly behind square on the on side for four.

Flatter around off. Mendis rocks back and guides it to short third.

An in-drifter on a fuller length, sliding on the leg stump and probably going down. Kusal Mendis misses to sweep and the ball thumps the front pad. Cooper appeals for LBW, but it is not given by the umpire. Marsh has a chat with his bowler, but they decide not to review it. Australia have just one review remaining. And the Ball Tracking later shows that the wickets are umpire's call. So, even if Australia had reviewed it, their review would have been safe, but the on-field decision would not have changed.

FOUR! Sri Lanka keep marching on! Cooper lands it full and on off, Kusal Mendis shimmies down the track, plays with the spin and lofts it inside out over cover-point for a boundary.

Shortish delivery, around off, Kusal cuts it to backward point.

Short and outside off, width offered. Cut away off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Time for Maxwell? Nope. Connolly continues.

FOUR! Into the gap! A short leg break, on middle and leg. Kusal Mendis uses the depth of the crease and pulls it to the leg side, bisecting long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 10 from Zampa's first over.

Quicker at 96.1 kph, short and outside off, Mendis tries to cut it through the gap, but finds short third.

Zampa drags the length back, around off, Kusal goes deep in the crease and punches it to short cover.

A touch short, on middle, sliding in, Pathum Nissanka nudges it to long on for a single.

Nicely tossed up, full and around off, Kusal runs it down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Welcome to the attack, mate. A bit of a loosener to start with, short and on middle. Kusal Mendis rocks back and slaps it with a pull shot to the deep mid-wicket and long on gap for a boundary.

Will Stoinis get another? He won't as it is Adam Zampa time.

Bowled into the batter at 94.9 kph, a touch full and on middle. Mendis makes room by backing away and eases it between cover and point for a single.

Connolly slides one onto the pads, on a fuller length, Pathum clips it to short fine leg for a single.

Full and tossed up around off, Kusal Mendis carves it to pierce the cover gap, but Mitchell Marsh dives to his right and cuts the ball, half stopping and parrying it to mid off for a single.

A bit fuller, on middle, drifts in with the arm, Kusal Mendis pushes at it, and gets an inside edge on the boot.

Loopy full toss, on leg, Pathum Nissanka drills it inside out to widish long off for a single.

Flat and full, on off, Kusal presses in front and stabs it to cover-point for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. 35 runs in the last 3 overs for Sri Lanka have flipped the momentum in their favor. They are 61/1 at the end of the Powerplay, and at the same stage, Australia were 70/0. So nothing really separates both teams right now. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have displayed a very positive intent after the first wicket, which has prevented them from getting into a defensive shell. The pressure is on Australia to keep chipping away at the wickets. And as the field spreads, Cooper Connolly (1-0-13-0) will continue from this end.

FOUR! Edged, but just past the keeper! On a hard length, outside off, Pathum flashes hard at it, and gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the right of the keeper. Josh Inglis flies to that direction, but the ball just evades his gloves before running behind to the fence.

FOUR! A shot of real authority! On a back of a length, on top of the sticks, Pathum Nissanka stays back and pulls it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Stoinis flirts with the tramline, outside off on a fuller length, Pathum leaves.

Full and on middle, Kusal flicks to get it past mid-wicket and mid on, but Maxwell dives to his right from mid on and cuts it off. Just a single or else it was running away.

A sharp bumper, over middle, Kusal ducks under it.

FOUR! Shot! Back of a length around fifth stump at 130.1 kph, Kusal Mendis opens the face and steers it neatly through the gap between backward point and short third for four.

Marcus Stoinis is back on. 1-0-4-1 so far. He replaces Nathan Ellis.

FOUR! Brilliantly done! Short of a length around off at 98.4 kph, Pathum Nissanka rocks back and carves it through the gap between backward point and short third for four.

Length ball on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka nudges it neatly towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for a couple.

SIX! KABOOM! Arm ball on a probing length around fifth stump, Pathum Nissanka shuffles across and executes a daring reverse sweep, getting it airborne and clearing the deep third fence for a six.

Arm ball on a length around middle and leg. 95.6 kph. Nissanka defends it to cover.

Full around middle and leg. Nissanka drives it back to the bowler.

Around the wicket. Full toss angling down the leg side. Mendis looks to play the sweep shot behind square on the leg side. He hits it from the toe end to the right of mid on for a single.

Cooper Connolly is into the attack now.

That back-of-the-hand slower ball, full and on off, Mendis presses forward and dabs it in front of point for a quick single.

AUSTRALIA LOSE A REVIEW! On a back of a length, zoning in on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis tries to whip it across the line, but gets rapped on the front thigh pad. A massive appeal goes around from the Aussies for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Mitchell Marsh runs to Ellis and after a chat, sends it upstairs for a review. No bat involved as the replay itself shows a clear gap between the bat and the pad. All the Australian players head back to their fielding spots before the Ball Tracking loads up. It finally comes and shows the ball projected to miss the leg stump. Australia lose one of their two reviews.

WIDE! Far outside off, on a fullish length, Mendis lets it be. Wide called.

SIX! Packed and dispatched! Ellis goes full and onto the pads. Kusal Mendis gets inside the line and whips it aerially, and deposits it into the stands behind long leg. That has travelled many a mile.

Ellis hits the deck hard, skids through on off, Kusal Mendis tries to jam it back at the bowler, but gets an inside edge on the pads before the ball rolls back to Ellis.

At pace now, full in length, on middle, Mendis flicks it to short mid-wicket.

A slower one to begin with, full and on the pads, Nissanka whips it wide of short fine leg for a single.

Nathan Ellis replaces Marcus Stoinis.

FOUR! Elegant placement! On a back of a length, around off. Kusal waits on it, opens the bat face late and finds the gap between short third and backward point for a boundary.

Slammed hard into the pitch, over middle, Nissanka swivels and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a run.

WIDE! Bartlett tries the slower one, but misfires it down leg, full in length. Pathum Nissanka tries to whip it but misses.

Nice and full, on off, Nissanka tries to force the drive to cover, but inside edges it onto the back pad as the ball jags back in a touch.

Good gas! At 136.3 kph. On a back of a length, angling into the bodyline. Pathum Nissanka hops off and drops it down the pitch.

FOUR! Two in two for Pathum! A bit too straight and short by Xavier, on a good length. Pathum Nissanka uses the pace, stays put and helps it to deep fine leg for a boundary.

FOUR! Not convincingly timed, but effective enough! Fuller and on middle and off, Nissanka walks down the track and heaves it to over and to the left of mid on for a boundary.

On middle and off, pushed towards mid on. A wicket and 4 runs from the Hulk's opener.

A short ball, around off, Kusal Mendis gets across and looks to pull but is cramped for room. Gets it off the glove through fine leg. Excellent work by Nathan Ellis as he charges to his right from deep backward square leg and dives to push the ball away, saving the boundary. Keeps the batters to a couple.

Hurrying the batter, who manages to push it to the off side for a quick run.

Very full, outside off, Mendis eases this through point for a single.

Australia manage to strike with the new ball. One Kusal replaces another as Mendis walks in at number 3, replacing Perera.

OUT! CAUGHT! The Sanath Jayasuriya version of the current generation departs cheaply. A short ball, outside off, there to be hit and Perera does hit it. Goes hard at that, but the extra bounce does him in. The ball hits the higher part of the bat and goes very high in the air. Also, he has to reach out for the ball as well, which reduces the power on the shot. Nathan Ellis is waiting for it patiently at deep point and takes the catch. Stoinis has a look at the batter, as if to give a send off, but Perera is not interested. SRI LANKA ARE 8/1. Equation - 174 RUNS, 112 BALLS!

Excellent work by Josh Inglis. On a length, outside off, Kusal Perera looks to cut but is too close to the ball. Gets a bottom edge which flies past the off stump, heading towards fine leg but the keeper dives to his right and makes a stunning stop.

Interesting over. Dew is certainly present and the ball has certainly started to come onto the bat a lot nicely as compared to the first innings. Marcus Stoinis will share the new ball.

The length is held back a touch. Outside off, PN looks to punch but misses. The bowler is interested in the caught behind appeal, but none of his mates look to agree. 8 from the opening over and the Lankans are up and running.

Half volley, wide outside off, Pathum drives it beautifully again, but finds cover in his way.

SIX! Bye bye ball! Full and straight, sliding onto the pads, Pathum Nissanka uses the extra pace and flicks this beautifully over backward square leg. There is a fielder at the ropes but the ball flies way over! 174 more needed from 116 balls.

Full, around middle and leg, Kusal Perera comes forward and looks to flick but is squared up as the ball moves away a bit. Gets a leading edge which flies through point. No one to catch that as the fielder is at the ropes. A run taken.

On a length, outside off, skidding through, Nissanka hops back and steers it behind point to get off the mark with a single.

On a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka is watchful in defense.

OUT! AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 181! Adam Zampa is gone and it will be another run out to close out the innings. On a length, outside off, 116.9 kph, Adam Zampa eases this through the covers. It is a no brainer to come back for the second but the fielder is up for it as well. Kamindu Mendis charges to the ball and returns the throw to the keeper Mendis, Kusal, with the throw coming right in front of the keeper. Kusal collects and whips the bails off, with Zampa nowhere in the frame.

Adam Zampa is the last batter in, replacing Xavier Bartlett.

OUT! XAVIER BARTLETT IS RUN OUT! Another slower ball, 120 kph, on a length, outside off. Ellis looks to swing but is months early into the shot. The batters go for the bye and the keeper, Kusal Mendis, underarms his shy at the striker's end. Hits bull's eye and Bartlett is gone by a mile.

A good bouncer, at the head, Nathan Ellis is taken back and decides to ramp this pretty late. Is comprehensively beaten by pace and the Lankan coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, likes that in the dugout! He might be thinking, yes, this is how I felt as a batter while facing Brett Lee. The speed gun read 144.5 kph!

3 balls left. Australia caught between avoiding getting bowled out for twice in two games and finding the boundary. Nathan Ellis walks in next, at number 10, replacing Marcus Stoinis.

OUT! CAUGHT! The jerseys seem to be swapped in the field! Sri Lanka have simply been outstanding in the field tonight. Another slower ball, 115.4 kph, on a length, outside off. Angling away, Stoinis swings hard, but gets a thick outside edge behind. The ball is dipping, but Maheesh Theekshana flings himself to his right at short third and takes another stinger! 160/4 has now become 180/8 for Australia!

Swing and a miss. The crowd cheering each and every dot ball. Excellent slower ball, on a length, outside off, going away, Stoinis swings towards mid-wicket, but connects only with thin air.

Oh dear. The siren goes off and that means Chameera overstepped on the previous ball and it will be a NO BALL! FREE HIT coming up!

Very full, outside off, Stoinis drills this to the left of long off and comes back for the second.

Frustration. The crowd is moving up and down around the sightscreen and Stoinis is flustered here.

On a length, outside off, Marcus Stoinis punches it through point. Does not even think about the single.

Final over. Can Australia get to 190?

Full and wide outside off, Xavier slashes hard but misses. Sensational over - A wicket and just 2 runs from it!

Full, outside off, Bartlett swings wildly but misses.

Ooohhh... fired on the pads, Xavier Bartlett looks to punch but gets a thick inside edge which goes past the leg stump!

Into the bowlers now. Xavier Bartlett walks in next, at number 9, replacing Cooper Connolly. Australia either need him to challenge his MLC 2025 form, where his strike rate was around 172, or simply give the strike to Stoinis.

OUT! CAUGHT! 6th wicket to spin. Floated, around middle and leg, Cooper Connolly goes for a big slog. But he only manages a thick top edge. Short third hares to his right, is about to collide with short fine leg, but the latter backs off in time. Kusal Perera keeps his eyes on the ball and dives full stretch to take the catch! Cooper is conned and from 160/4, AUSTRALIA ARE NOW 177/7! 9 balls left.

Outside off, punched through the covers. Kamil Mishara does well to move to his left at sweeper and dive to stop the ball. Two runs taken, two saved.

Maheesh Theekshana will bowl out. Down the leg side, Cooper Connolly works it to the leg side but cannot find the gap.

Back to pace off, on a length, outside off, Cooper Connolly eases this behind point for a single to get off the mark. A wicket and 7 runs from the over, 15/2 in the last 2!

Cooper Connolly walks in next, at number 8, replacing Josh Inglis, for the finishing duties.

OUT! CAUGHT! Wow. You need to read this. Again and again. An Aussie batter, that too from Perth, has been bounced out by a Lankan seamer! A quick short ball, outside off, Josh Inglis goes for the pull instinctively. But he is beaten for pace - that's right - beaten for pace, with the speed gun reading 140 kph and gets a top edge which goes straight up in the air. Three fielders go for it - the bowler, the keeper and point. In the end, Dunith Wellalage calls for it coming in from point and takes it calmly. After a series of slower balls, Inglis was caught napping on this fast one. From 160/4, AUSTRALIA ARE NOW 174/6! 13 balls left.

Full, around off, Marcus Stoinis opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a run.

Dropped short, slow again, Josh swivels, gets outside the line and pulls it behind square leg for a single.

FOUR! What a shot that is! Full and outside off, Inglis drives this down the ground. Long off is pretty wide and he tries to reach to his right and dives, but there is so much power in the shot that the ball beats him!

Landed outside off, Josh Inglis goes for the reverse hook but the ball is pretty slow and he misses it totally.

On middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run. 4-0-37-3 - best figures in T20Is for Dushan Hemantha! Anyone missing 'Wow'indu?

Short, outside off, Inglis punches it through point for a couple.

Quicker ball, 84.3 kph, punched back to the bowler. 'Anna Hari, Anna Hari!' chides Mendis.

FOUR! UP AND OVER! Landed outside off, Josh Inglis leans into the shot and lofts it nicely over cover for a boundary.

A full toss, on middle, Marcus Stoinis gently reverse-paddles it through short third for a single.

The crowd finds its voice. It knows how big a wicket that is. Maxwell's unbeaten 145 in 2016, his best in T20Is, came at this very venue, in 2016. Marcus Stoinis walks in next, at number 7, replacing Glenn Maxwell.

OUT! BLINDER OF A CATCH! That's how you bounce back, son! Dropped a sitter, but makes up for it with a screamer! Maxwell gets a taste of his own medicine. Normally, it is he who flies, who leaps and makes gravity's definition questionable. Full, around middle and off, Glenn Maxwell gets down and employs the reverse sweep. It is played powerfully and the ball flies over backward point. But Pathum Nissanka flies to his left and takes a stunner with both hands, landing behind! The Lankans are celebrating but Maxwell is asked to wait. The third umpire is called to check the legality of the catch and the replay shows that Nissanka is in total control of the catch. Maxwell looks stone faced, but even he would have admired that effort. Take a bow, Pathum. An important 30-run stand is broken and AUSTRALIA ARE 160/5 AFTER 16.1 OVERS!

Dushan Hemantha returns. 3-0-29-2 so far.

On a length, outside off, Maxi cuts it through point for a run. Eventful over.

Short, outside off, Inglis punches it through the covers for a single.

FOUR! Adventurous! On middle and off, Josh Inglis goes back, brings out the reverse and ramps it over the keeper for a boundary!

On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

DROPPED! Oh dear. Pretty similar to how David Warner was put down by Usama Mir during the 2023 World Cup in Bengaluru. Fielder getting to the ball, but not laying any hand on it. Slower ball, outside off, Glenn Maxwell goes for the moon again, but this time, gets very much height, without any distance. The ball is high in the air, but Pathum Nissanka comes running in. He does get to the ball but miraculously, the ball goes right through his hands and is down! In that other match, Usama was standing where he was. Two runs taken. Costly drop.

Pace is back on, as Dushmantha Chameera returns. 1-0-16-0 so far. Outside off, guided straight to backward point.

Shorter on middle, Maxi works it through mid-wicket with soft hands again, but this time, the bowler himself goes after it. Keeps the batters to a single. 15 from the over.

Good running. On middle, Maxwell works it through mid-wicket with soft hands and charges back for the second. 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. 31 balls left.

FOUR MORE! Tossed up, outside off, Maxwell comes forward and with efficient use of his wrists, powers this over cover for a boundary!

SIX! CREAMED! Floated, around middle, Maxwell gets underneath the ball and swings it cleanly over long on!

Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for a run.

On middle, worked through square leg for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. The camera pans onto Mitchell Marsh who is looking very pensive outside the Aussie dressing room. At 104/0 in the 9th over, dreams of 250 were being woven. All of a sudden, 180 may be a tall ask. Aiming for the moon and running out of oxygen halfway? It has become a different ball game altogether. The hard, new ball was flying, but after that, forget the boundaries, the runs have dried up. 39/4 in the last 6 overs! The ball is stopping, holding on the surface and turning a bit as well. Australia might want to revisit what Sikandar Raza said in his post-match presentation the other day - if you look at 190 now, you are going to be 140 all out.

Full and outside off, The Big Show leans, opens the face of his bat and guides it towards backward point. 5 runs from the over, Dunith Wellalage finishes his bowling spell with figures of 4-0-33-1.

Short, outside off, Inglis goes back and punches it towards long off for another single.

On middle and leg, Maxi nudges it through square leg for one.

Full and straight, Maxwell defends it awkwardly back to the bowler.

Short, around off, Josh Inglis rocks back and punches it through the covers for a run.

Hmmm... turn. Fuller, around leg stump, Glenn Maxwell lunges to defend but the ball pitches and then spins away. The adjustment is nice to push the ball through mid off for a single.

Full and outside off, driven through the covers but it is stopped. A wicket and 4 runs from the over, excellent stuff from the so-called part timer.

Outside off, eased through the covers for a single to get off the mark.

Who's next? Mad Max? Yes. Glenn Maxwell walks in next, at number 6, replacing Tim David.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one falls in this suicide mission. Floated, outside off, Tim David thinks that this is in his arc and swings with all his might. But he is not quite to the pitch of the ball and gets massive height. Not the distance. Long off is waiting and Dushan Hemantha makes no mistake. From 104/0, AUSTRALIA ARE NOW 130/4!

Outside off, laced through the covers for a single.

The arm ball, around middle, Inglis punches it back to the bowler.

Brilliant fielding by Pavan Rathnayake. Full, outside off, Josh Inglis creams the drive through the covers but Rathnayake races to his right from deep cover, dives and stops the ball. Two runs taken, two saved.

Time for a change in pace? These two have bowled unchanged post the Powerplay. Having said that, should Shanaka change something which ain't broken? But he changes. Not the pace, but the combination. Kamindu Mendis gets the ball in his hand. For now, he is bowling left-arm orthodox.

FOUR! No slip this time and it runs away! Pushed through, full and on middle, Tim David clears the front leg, looks to slog it over mid-wicket, but only manages a thick outside edge. The ball shoots past the vacant slip cordon and squirrels toward the deep third fence. 10 runs from the over.

An in-angler at 93.1 kph on a length, Tim David backs away and crunches it to the cover fielder.

Flat and quick, full and outside off, Inglis stretches forward and carves it to deep point for a single.

The arm ball, 86.1 kph, coming into middle stump, David backs away to the leg side and punches it uppishly through the covers for one.

Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

WIDE plus a bye. Full and down the leg side, Tim David looks to flick but misses. The keeper misses and concedes a run.

Short, around middle, Josh Inglis goes back and works it towards long on for a single.

Bazball. Travball, baseball. All are the same. Go out, hit out every ball, don't even attempt to stay in the middle. Australia, in pursuit of 200 or even 250, seem to be on a suicide mission here. They need to understand that there are 20 overs in the game for a reason.

Full and outside off, Josh drives it to deep cover for a single.

Nearly two in two for Dushan! A leg break, tossed up, full just outside leg, and it prodigiously spins away to finish across the off stump. Inglis stretches forward, shaping for a flick, but loses his balance and ends up getting dragged out of the crease. The ball beats the outside edge and has him stranded out for a moment. Mendis, though, can't gather it cleanly behind the stumps, and Inglis survives the scare, scrambling back in time.

And then, there were three! Just what Sri Lanka would have wanted. 104/0 has quickly become 116/3 in the span of 14 balls and the Lankans have come roaring back. Josh Inglis walks in next, at number 5, replacing his skipper, Mitchell Marsh.

OUT! LBW! The Aussie skipper is gone. This is pushed quicker by Dushan, in line of the stumps, on a fractionally fuller length. Mitchell Marsh is neither on the front foot, nor does he commit on the back foot, hangs somewhere in the middle and tries to block it out, but seems to have got beaten on the inside edge as the ball thuds the flap of the back pad. There is a lengthy appeal for LBW, but the umpire denies. Mendis is pleading to the umpire from behind the stumps and the Sri Lankans eventually go upstairs for a review. Nothing on UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is projected to hit the middle stump. Brilliant review from the Lankans.

Was that a catch? Short, around middle and off, Tim David goes back and punches it uppishly, just wide of the bowler, who dives to his left. The ball goes towards long off and a single is taken. To the naked eye, it seemed like it went at a catchable height.

Outside off, punched through mid off for a single.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR MARSH NOW! In 25 balls. Short, around off, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and drags the pull. It is aerial but in the gap and wide of deep mid-wicket, to his right, and into the ropes. So far, Marsh has not looked to be struggling with his legs at least, given the seriousness of his injury.

Halfway stage reached. Hmmm... the Ashes have got over a month ago, but seems like Australia have still not got over England. Appears like they watched Brook and co. bat against Italy in Kolkata this afternoon. Tim David walks in next, at number 4, replacing Cameron Green.

OUT! STUMPED! Sri Lanka have two wickets in quick time now. Full, wide, and cleverly fired in, almost as if the bowler saw the charge coming. Green comes dancing down but ends up miles away from the pitch of the ball. He swings hard but fails to get the connection. Mendis collects the ball cleanly behind the stumps and does the rest with ease, whipping off the bails. Australia are 110/2.

Quicker one, full and on off, goes straight on. Green tries to block, but gets an inside edge onto the boot.

A touch short, outside off, Marsh slaps it off the back foot to widish cover for a single.

WIDE! Pushed way outside off, breaching the tramline. Marsh leaves.

Shorter, outside off, Green punches it through point for one.

Floated, outside off, Mitchell Marsh uses his long reach and drives it through mid off for a run.

Landed outside off, Cameron Green punches it through point for a single.

Pushed through full and on off, Cameron Green leans on and drives it all along the ground to long off for a single.

A massive appeal for stumping, but the on-field umpires confirm that Green is safe, seeing the smart replay on the giant screen. Spins big from a fuller length, outside off, Cameron Green is sucked into the shot on the front foot, trying to push it to the off side. The ball, however, spins almost square past his blade and Kusal Mendis collects it behind the stumps before he whips the bails off. The replay shows that Green's back leg never left or got lifted from the popping crease.

At 88 kph, Dushan dishes out a length ball, on off, Green backs away and punches it to short cover.

At last, Sri Lanka get the breakthrough they were looking for. Now, to get some momentum back. Cameron Green walks in next, at number 3, replacing Travis Head.

OUT! CAUGHT! You live by the sword and die by it. Head was looking to hit each and every ball out of the park and his 'cameo' ends on a fine 56.  Floated wide outside off, Head reaches out to go over cover and wide long off, but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. He has to reach out and hence, does not get the full elevation. Wide long off is waiting and the ball flies straight to him, with Kamindu Mendis making no mistake at wide long off. AUSTRALIA ARE 104/1 AFTER 8.3 OVERS!

SIX! 100-RUN OPENING STAND IS UP! 4th in this edition and the first for Australia. Full, around middle, Travis Head gets down on a knee and mows the slog sweep. It is flat, but in the gap, splitting long on and deep mid-wicket.

The googly, outside off, 97.7 kph, shorter in length, Mitchell Marsh goes back and punches it through the covers for a single.

Pushed flatter and wide outside off, Marsh reaches out for it and steers it through point for a run. 13 runs from the over. 27 from the last 2.

SIX! Effortless! Wellalage serves a half volley on the platter for the Bison, on off, Mitchell Marsh takes the front foot ahead, gets underneath the ball cleanly and thumps it over long off for a big six.

A touch short and slower through the air, outside off, Marsh stands tall and smashes it away, but straight to the cover fielder.

27-BALL FIFTY FOR TRAVIS HEAD! His 6th in T20Is and a third in World Cups. Gets there with a drive through mid off for a run. 7 fours and two sixes in his knock and he raises his bat but he knows, the job has just begun.

Shorter in length, outside off, Marsh punches it through the covers for a single.

FOUR! BEAUTY! Tossed up, outside off, gentle half volley, Mitchell Marsh leans and drives it gorgeously through the covers for a boundary.

4 on the trot for Theekshana? Nope. Dunith Wellalage gets the ball in his hand now.

From around the stumps, on a length, outside off, Head punches it off the back foot to extra cover, where the fielder slides to his left and cuts it off.

FOUR! Unstoppable! A googly, but too full and on middle, Travis Head crunches it over extra cover for a cracking boundary.

SIX! The fielder can only watch it sail over! The leg break from Dushan, full and on the stumps. Travis Head finds the ball in his wheelhouse and slog sweeps it powerfully behind cow corner for half a dozen runs.

Excellent work by Pathum Nissanka. Full, down the leg side, Travis gets down and sweeps it through square leg. Nissanka charges to his right from deep square leg, dives full stretch and parries it to the fielder from deep mid-wicket. Keeps the batters to a couple of runs.

Full again, this time the cover drive is intercepted.

Full, outside off, 86 kph to start, Travis Head leans and drives it through the covers. Should have been just a single but the fielder in the deep did not pick it up at all and started to run after the batters had crossed each other at the halfway. The second is completed with ease.

DRINKS BREAK. 12 fours and 2 sixes in 36 balls. That's roughly a boundary every 3 balls. A mathematic demonstration of Australia's assault so far. The good thing from their point of view is that not too many shots have been played in anger. The Lankans have not bowled the right lines or lengths but from their point of view, the good thing is, the balls have started to stop and come onto the bat. So they will look for a breakthrough here and then put pressure on the new batters, much like how Zimbabwe did the other day. Dushan Hemantha has been given the ball now.

FOUR! Easily, the shot of the match so far! 5 boundaries in a row for the Big Bison. A juicy half volley around the off pole, Mitchell Marsh gets on the front foot and spectacularly carves it through the cover region for a boundary. No one could move a muscle. Australia end their Powerplay at 70/0!

FOUR! Wham, bam, slam! Theekshana targets the middle stump, on a fuller length, Mitchell Marsh gets down on his knee and mows it through deep backward square leg for a boundary.

FOUR! Mayhem in Pallekele! Maheesh goes full and outside off, the off spinner. Mitchell Marsh slices it over the cover-point region and the ball races away.

FOUR MORE! Almost a carbon copy of the previous shot. Theekshana keeps the line outside off but the length is a touch short. It comes back into the batter but the skipper manages to make some room and punch it through the covers for successive boundaries.

FOUR! Nice shot. Perhaps the carrom ball, outside off, because it skids on after pitching. Yes, the replay confirms. Marsh goes back and then, bringing his weight through the shot nicely, leans and punches it through covers for a boundary.

Full, outside off, Mitchell Marsh hammers it down the ground but cannot beat mid off as the fielder quickly gets across to his right.

Final over of the Powerplay.

This one holds on the surface a touch, on a good length. Marsh bunts it in front of mid on for a quick run. 12 runs from the over. 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!

Fuller and around off, at 128.7 kph, nipping back in. Mitchell Marsh attempts to go up and over the in-field on the off side, but gets a fat inside edge. The ball deflects onto the pads and rolls to short third.

On a hard length, on middle, Travis Head tries to wham that over long on, but mistimes off the inner half to long on for a single.

FOUR! Wonderful exhibition of aggressive batting! Slows it up, does Dasun. On a length, outside off, Travis Head expands his arms wide open and smashes it through the cover and point gap for a boundary.

Much fuller, on off, carved away to cover.

SIX! OUTTA HERE! A gentle-paced delivery, short and on leg, arriving at chest height of the batter. Easy pickings for Head as he swivels and cracks the pull shot enormously behind deep square leg for a six.

Suspect Shanaka will bowl again in the Powerplay. Proved wrong.

Ooohhh... lucky escape. Outside off, the balls have started to hold on the surface a bit more frequently now. Marsh went for the cut but played early and got a massive inside edge, which missed the stumps!

On middle, pretty straight, Travis pushes it towards long on for a run. 'Bowl Machaa, bowling!' chides Kusal Mendis, the keeper.

Outside off, pushed towards mid off.

FOUR! CREAMED! Full, outside off, Travis Head gets down on a knee and slog sweeps it to the left of mid on for a boundary!

Landed outside off, short in length, 92.5 kph, Travis Head goes back to cut but the ball stops and arrives. As a result, there is a bottom edge and the call comes from Head - 'Wait there, Mitch, No.'

Full, outside off, 95.4 kph, Mitchell Marsh leans and eases this past the diving short cover to his right, for a single to the left of mid off.

That's one bowler possibly short pretty early. But we all know what happens to Sri Lankans when they are a bowler short. Ireland can vouch for that. Only, don't think that Pathirana can bowl on one leg here. But the hosts have their bases covered.

Around the stump. This is bashed on a length, angling into the bodyline, Travis Head tries to nudge it around the corner, but misses and the ball grazes his thigh pad before rolling toward short fine leg. Marsh sniffs a run, but Head is quick to deny.

FOUR! That went like a tracer bullet! Marginally short, on top of middle, Travis Head makes room for himself by staying leg side and nails the square cut between cover and backward point for a cracking boundary.

Oh dear. Matheesha Pathirana has gone down in his followthrough. He is clutching his knees and hamstring and Angelo Mathews on air suspects that it is a hamstring issue. It looks very bad and the physio is out in the middle. Doesn't look like Pathirana can continue. At least for now. And PATHIRANA IS HOBBLING OFF THE FIELD. Dasun Shanaka will complete the pending over.

Good effort! A touch fuller than the previous ball. On a length, outside off, Marsh presses back, lets his hands through the shot toward widish mid off. The fielder there dives to his left, makes a half stop and the ball is parried to the cover fielder who charges to his right in the ring. They get a single.

On middle, on a hard length, Head waits on the back foot, and steers it to deep backward point for a run.

At 132.5 kph, on a good length, on leg, Travis hops and nudges it to mid-wicket with soft hands.

WIDE! At pace this time around, but a bit too wide and beyond the tramline, outside off. Head ignores. Wide called.

BEATEN! Pace off immediately by Pathirana, full and outside off, Travis Head throws his bat at it, trying to smash through covers, but misses to connect.

One-over spells? Absolutely. Here's Matheesha Pathirana.

Short, outside off, punched towards mid off.

A misfield now. Outside off, Travis punches it straight to backward point who fumbles and Head's loud 'NOOO!' turns into a single.

FOUR MORE! Better shot this time. A touch short, outside off, Head rocks back and punches it between point and cover, for consecutive boundaries.

EDGED, FOUR! Tossed up, slightly wide outside off, pretty full, Travis Head gets down on a knee and looks to play his favourite slog sweep. But it is a slower ball, around 96 kph and the batter is early into his shot. Gets a massive top edge which flies over the vacant slip region to the deep third fence!

The carrom ball, on middle, Head looks to punch but is cramped for room and mistimes it back to the bowler.

Full, around middle, angling down, Travis Head leans and pushes it towards mid on but the bowler cuts it off to his left.

Jeez, that's a big first over for the visitors. But mind you, they got off to a rollicking start against Zimbabwe as well. 'Bring on spin', says Angelo Mathews on air and he has his wish. Maheesh Theekshana to bowl.

SIX! MUSCLED! Fractionally short by Chameera, on off, Mitchell Marsh plays from the crease and clubs it sweetly over long on for a cracking six. A flying start for the Aussies. 16 runs from the opening over.

A slight appeal for LBW, but the umpire walks away! Pitched in and around the leg stump, on a good length, shaping back in. Travis Head is tucked up for space and tries to work it across the line on the back foot. Gets a thick inside edge and is rapped on the thigh pad. The ball then deflects to short third and they get a run.

FOUR! That's some way to get the first runs! Too full from Chameera, trying to get the inswing, but he errs in line as it is speared on the pads. Travis Head picks it up neatly and whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

A fraction fuller, on the stumps, Marsh firmly knocks it to mid on and steals a quick single.

FOUR! Australia and Marsh are off the mark! On a back of a length, shaping away outside off. Mitchell Marsh gets to free his arms and square cuts it through backward point, beating deep third's dive to his right for a boundary.

A bit of a movement as Chameera is right on the money! Gentle outswing on a length, on off, Mitchell Marsh gets behind the line and bunts it to the off side.

Apa Sriiiiiii Lankaaaa, namo namo mathaa - Yes, those golden lines. Every Sri Lankan in the crowd is chuffed to bits. The national anthems have been sung and the home side is ready.The crowd is ready. Is the visiting side ready? The Lankans get into a huddle, and then disperse out. Past them, out come the Aussie opening pair of Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh. Dushmantha Chameera will take the new ball in his hand and look to swing the ball upfront. Marsh to face. Here we go!

National anthems - The match officials and the two teams walk out for the anthems. It will be Australia's first, followed by that of the Lankans.

Just lean to our strengths - A few minutes before the toss, ace broadcaster Mark Howard caught up with Australia's TIM DAVID. The first question asked is the discussion after the Aussie loss to Zimbabwe, to which David calmly replies saying that it was just one of those games where things didn't go to plan. Adds that it is now about shifting their focus to this game, which is a big one. Does not feel it is a knockout for his side though. On the mantra for the turnaround, Tim says that the advice for the players is to just lean into their strengths and look at how they have played in the last 18 months. Further says that tonight is an opportunity to show that. On the pitch expectations, TD says that some of the Aussies had a hit out here last night and liked the pace. Expects the pitch to spin a little bit in the subcontinent. On being told that he started batting in T20s at 8, then moved upto 7 and is now at 4, which is a hefty promotion, Tim David agrees and says that he is absolutely enjoying his promotion. Calls it more responsibiity and more opportunity for him to score runs and put the team in a good position.

Every game in the World Cup is big - The skipper of Australia, MITCHELL MARSH, is first asked about his health. To which, Marsh smiles and says that all is okay and he is ready to go tonight. On this being a potential knockout for the Aussies, Mitch admits that it is but quickly adds that every game in the World Cup is a big one. The Bison honestly adds that the Aussies weren't at their best in the previous game and are looking forward to implement their learnings from that loss and be a lot better in this game. On the team changes, the skipper informs that himself, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett come in.

One of the most important games - The captain of Sri Lanka, DASUN SHANAKA, calls this as one of the most important games in the competition (for Sri Lanka) and is looking forward for the same. On the team news, Shanaka informs that they are going in with one change, with Kusal Perera coming in for Kamil Mishara. Short and sweet interview.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (IN FOR KAMIL MISHARA), Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana.

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C) (IN FOR MATT RENSHAW), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly (IN FOR BEN DWARSHUIS), Xavier Bartlett (IN FOR MATTHEW KUHNEMANN), Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa.

TOSS - All set for the spin of the coin. Big news. MITCHELL MARSH IS BACK. Dasun Shanaka is with him. Shanaka will flip the coin, while Marsh will call. Heads is the call from the Bison, but it is a tail. SRI LANKA CHOOSE TO BOWL.

PITCH REPORT - Australia's giant, MATTHEW HAYDEN, takes a few steps towards the deck. But nay, he is not giving his insights on the pitch. He informs about the conditions, stating that it is cool and there is a good breeze blowing across. On the ground dimensions, Haydos informs that the ones on the square read 66 and 68 but the one down the ground is 80 metres. Along comes Sri Lanka's World Cup champion from 1996 - RUSSEL ARNOLD. Straightaway says that there are lots of runs here. Calls it the best pitch to bat on, in Sri Lanka. Informs that in the only game played at this venue in this World Cup, the Lankans scored 225 with ease against Oman. Arnold further informs that water has been sprayed around, the deck has been rolled on and there is a nice covering of grass. Knocks on the pitch and gets a strong noise, meaning that the strip is rock hard. Opines that the ball will come onto the bat. Hayden seems a bit surprised and asks him about the turn expected from the deck. To that, Russel replies the pitch will be on the slower side but it will still be good for batting. Expects the conditions to stay the same across both innings. Informs that 172 is the average winning score in the first innings in the last 10 matches at this venue, and feels that anything around that mark should be good for the side batting first to win.

England win, qualify for Super Eights - A 24-run win it is then, to confirm the 2022 champions' position in the Super Eights. They become the first team to enter Group Y, while West Indies, South Africa and India await the fourth team in Group X. After a pretty indifferent batting display took England to 202/7, riding largely on Will Jacks' blistering unbeaten 53 (22), his first ever in T20Is, three-fers from Jamie Overton and Sam Curran ensured that Italy were stopped at 178.

Number 4 joining the bandwagon - Almost there, are England. Having pounded a mammoth 202/7 against newbies Italy at the Eden Gardens, they have reduced their neighbours to 173/7 after 18 overs, meaning that Italy need 30 runs from 2 overs, when the reports last came in. A victory for the English would give us our fourth team in the Super Eights, after West Indies, India and South Africa, additionally closing Group C out, while a Lankan victory tonight would make it the Super Five in the Super Eight. You can catch the finishing touches to that game in our matchcentre for that clash but please do bounce back here soon, for the toss and team details.

Another flat deck? That's what the numbers seem to say. Usually, Pallekele provides a lot of runs, which was evident from the Sri Lanka-Oman clash, but in the bilateral series before that, the curator managed to get a lot of spin from the deck, making it slow and low. Rumours are coming in that the curator has left no grass on the surface, which means that it could be a dry track on offer for tonight. Historically, the ground favours the side batting first, but it has been an overcast day here and because of that, one might see dew play a significant role, possibly prompting the captain winning the toss to chase.

Desperate measures - Not surprisingly, with their campaign on the line, Australia are leaving no stone unturned to get their best possible XI on the field. News has filtered in that skipper Mitchell Marsh is doing his level best to be fit for this game, while STEVE SMITH has joined the squad in Pallekele, AS A REPLACEMENT FOR JOSH HAZLEWOOD. The problem for the Aussies though, is that it is not just one issue. Their woes against spin have been well documented, but their bowling lacked the teeth against Zimbabwe too. Unlike their batting, which can be argued to have some experience, in the absence of 'The Big Three', their bowling is clearly looking for answers and advice. Adam Zampa is a senior member, being part of the victorious 2021 campaign and being on a roll for the last 5-odd years, but even he was found wanting against the Rhodesians. Might be just one bad game, but that's what this format is all about - one bad game could cost you the tournament, just as it happened with them during their attempt at a title defense at home in 2022, where one bad match against New Zealand literally pushed them out.

Another under-par ICC tournament loading? Rarely do we associate the term underpar with Australia and World Cups. However, a closer look at the T20 format will reveal that while the Aussies have dominated ODI World Cups, winning 6 out 13 editions and reaching the finals in 8 of those, the shorter version is anything but close to that. In 9 editions of the Men's T20 World Cup, they have won just 1 and reached finals twice. In fact, the Kangaroos reached the semifinal of the inaugural edition, but have managed to get to that stage only 4 times. Delving further - 2009, 2014, 2016 (the last time the tournament was held in India) and 2022 - in these four editions, the Team In Yellow have been bounced out in their first round itself. Is 2026 going to be the fifth instance? A loss tonight does not officially eliminate them, but it will make their progress to the next round tougher and Zimbabwe's easier.

... MATCH DAY ...

The game of uncertainties that is cricket - If Group B were a straight road, Australia would’ve been cruising in the fast lane with the windows down. But cricket prefers banana peels to smooth highways. That skid against Zimbabwe was the kind no one saw lying around, and now the Aussies are dusting themselves off with the road suddenly feeling a lot less certain. Australia now sit third, looking up at both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The equation is simple on paper and unforgiving in reality. Win both, or leave the door ajar for everything to unravel. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, arrive from a different place entirely. A narrow escape against Ireland tested their composure, but what followed was authority. Oman were swept aside with a precision that did more than just secure points - it sent a message. Their net run rate now towers above the rest. A win will confirm their Super 8 berth and keep them at the summit of the group. Australia at the edge of recalibration - Undermanned to begin with, Australia’s campaign arrived carrying more strain than certainty. Injuries had already thinned their balance in both batting and bowling before a ball was bowled, and that fragility has only felt more pronounced. The heaviest blow came when Mitchell Marsh was sidelined in the opening games with testicular bleeding, leaving a leadership and structural void. Out of rhythm at the wrong time - Coupled with the injuries, inconsistency has crept into Australia’s batting, with several key names struggling for rhythm. A closer look only underlines the concern - 1. Josh Inglis - Just one half-century in his last ten T20Is. 2. Travis Head - Yet to register a T20I fifty since September 2024, averaging around 13 in 2025. 3. Glenn Maxwell - An average of 22.91 since the last T20 World Cup, with one fifty-plus score. A glimmer of hope? Despite the struggles, it is not all doom and gloom for the Aussies. Brought in to handle spin and slower surfaces, Matt Renshaw has offered much-needed stability in the middle order, and his composed 65 against the Chevrons was a timely reminder of his value. Alongside him, Marcus Stoinis has been quietly reliable, holding things together when the innings has threatened to drift. And if Steve Smith is drafted in, it could just provide the batting unit with the control and assurance it has been missing. And with the ever-dangerous Tim David back from injury, Australia get back a presence they had been missing at the death. The 2021 champions’ bowling unit remains unsettled heading into the clash with Sri Lanka. Ben Dwarshuis returned figures of 0 for 40 in his four overs after coming in for Xavier Bartlett, who had earlier gone at 11 an over against Ireland. With little control on offer, a shift towards spin remains a viable option, especially with Cooper Connolly also missing the previous game. Momentum, with minor disruptions - Despite much falling into place, Sri Lanka have not been entirely spared. The early loss of Wanindu Hasaranga, ruled out after the opening game with a left hamstring tear, has forced a shift in balance, leaving Maheesh Theekshana to shoulder the bulk of the spin responsibility. Yet, if there is one area where Sri Lanka rarely feel short-changed, it is spin. The depth may vary in impact, but not in availability. The batting firepower - Much like their bowling, the Sri Lankan batting lineup has appeared fairly settled. Twin fifties from Kusal Mendis, along with key middle-order contributions from skipper Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake’s quickfire 60 off 28 balls against Oman, ensured they posted a strong total and kept the momentum firmly in their favor. Yet beneath these positives, there runs an undercurrent of fragility in their opening partnerships. Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka have put together just 28 and 15-run stands in this World Cup. A closer look at Nissanka’s recent form exposes a subtle pattern of unfulfilled potential. Four scores above 20 in his last five innings, but none significantly substantial. The Pallekele puzzle - A thumping win over Oman at this venue has put Sri Lanka as firm favorites to move to the Super 8. But in Pallekele, they have a very middling record of 11 wins and as many defeats. In fact, in their last 10 matches here, they have managed victory in only three games. For Australia, this marks a return to Pallekele after nearly four years, having last played a T20I here in 2022. Overall, they have played four matches at the venue in this format and have lost three of them in an overall head-to-head that reads them lead by 15-10 against the Lankans. Deep diving further, Australia have won four of the five meetings against the Lankans in T20 World Cups, with their only loss coming in Nottingham in the 2009 edition. Team form (Last 5 T20Is, recent first) -  AUSTRALIA - LWLLL | SRI LANKA - WWLLL. What do the records say? Unlike Colombo, Pallekele has actually been quite a batting friendly venue. And by digging the numbers of the last 10 matches, it paints a clear picture. The average first inning score in the last ten matches here is in north of 200, with the 200-run mark breached four times in that span. With the highest successful chase here being 178, and a decent drop off after that, it is clear that the team that bats first holds a slight upper hand. With a lot at stake, this promises to be a T20 World Cup classic. Let’s hope for a banger of a game.