SL vs AUS: Pathum Nissanka stuns Australia in Pallekele
SL vs AUS: Pathum Nissanka led a magnificent run chase during the big ICC T20 World Cup 2026 clash on February 16. This performance guaranteed Sri Lanka’s spot in the Super Eight stage. Australia initially looked like they couldn’t be beaten.
Indeed, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head got them off to a flying start with a 104-run opening stand in just nine overs. However, the Sri Lankan spinners triggered a huge collapse in the SL vs AUS game. The visitors fell apart from a strong position and ended up with 181 all out. Dushan Hemantha picked up three key wickets during that slide.
Pathum Nissanka held firm at the crease while chasing the tough target of 182. He finished with an incredible 100 not out from just 52 balls. His innings included ten boundaries and five huge sixes. These hits helped the co-hosts reach the target with two overs left. This clinical eight-wicket win leaves the Australian side facing a shock exit from the tournament. At the same time, it showed everyone that Nissanka is a world-class anchor.
Why Pathum Nissanka Echoes the Brilliance of Virat Kohli?
1. Precision in the Art of the Chase
Pathum Nissanka showed great composure against a tough Australian attack. This reminded fans of how reliable Virat Kohli was during his best years. Nissanka didn’t just swing blindly. Much like Kohli’s famous 82 not out at Mohali in 2016, he found the gaps with perfect precision. He kept the run rate under control by running hard and hitting boundaries at the right time. This kept the bowlers from ever getting back into the game. This smart approach turned a stressful chase into a steady win.
2. Mastery of Conventional Strokeplay
The Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka sticks to traditional cricket shots. He stays away from the risky sweeps or ramps that feature so heavily in modern T20 batting. Nissanka has a great range of cover drives, flicks off the pads, and strong pulls.
Like the Indian star, he relied on timing rather than just power. Pathum Nissanka kept his shape even when going for the boundary. This made it harder for bowlers to get him out while he kept finding the rope. Scoring at a strike rate of 192.31 using these classic methods showed just how good his skills are.
3. Psychological Dominance Over Australia
Australia are usually the standard for intensity. However, Pathum Nissanka seemed to save his most disciplined and heavy-hitting games for them. He has now scored nearly 400 runs against the Aussies in T20Is.
ALSO READ: SL vs AUS: 3 Shots That Pathum Nissanka Hit That Stunned Australia
This matched Virat Kohli’s old habit of dominating the Australian bowlers on the biggest stages. Nissanka stayed until the end and finished the job himself. By doing that, he proved he had the mental toughness to carry the hopes of his whole country.
