T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka captain Shanaka lauds win over Australia as ‘one of the best performances’

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup victory over Australia featured Pathum Nissanka's explosive 100, hailed by captain Shanaka as a top performance.

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka on Monday (February 16, 2026) described his team's win over Australia in the T20 World Cup here as "one of the best performances in recent past".

Swashbuckling opener Pathum Nissanka struck a belligerent 52-ball 100 to power Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket win and secure their place in the Super Eights.

"One of the best performances in recent past. Happy about the way first innings went," Shanaka said at the presentation ceremony.

Set a record target of 182 at this venue, Sri Lanka rode on Nissanka's unbeaten knock and Kusal Mendis's 38-ball 51 to complete the task in 18 overs and leave Australia's qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Sri Lanka suffered a blow while Australia were batting as pacer Matheesha Pathirana had to be taken off the attack after suffering a hamstring injury in his first over.

"We were still very positive after losing Pathirana. Had the confidence. Knew about the wicket as well. Each and everyone showed high body language. Everybody wanted to contribute somehow. Missing Hasaranga and now Pathirana is a big miss. Need to take the good things from here," Shanaka said.