T20 World Cup: Pathum Nissanka scores unbeaten 100 as Sri Lanka thrash Australia

Australia’s hopes of reaching the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup are over after Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka scored a brilliant unbeaten 100 to condemn them to an eight-wicket defeat in Pallekele.

After a shock defeat to Zimbabwe in their second match on Friday, Australia needed a win to maintain their qualification destiny, but it is Sri Lanka who will advance to the next round.

For Australia to qualify as the second-placed team in their group, they now need Zimbabwe to lose their remaining matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka and then beat Oman themselves which would bring a net run-rate into play.

Australia’s predicament came from their inability to convert a good start from openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh as they set the hosts a target of 182 after collapsing in the second half of their innings.

Despite the feeling that Sri Lanka might face a complicated chase due to a sluggish pitch, they cruised to victory easily with the Australian bowling attack lacking any fire in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

Sri Lankan duo Nissanka and Kusal Mendis took full advantage.

With wicket-keeper Mendis providing perfect support with 51 off 38 balls, Nissanka brought up his century in 52 balls to take his side beyond the finish line with an innings that blended brute force and finesse.

Australia returned for Marsh after he recovered from a thigh injury that forced him out of the first two matches and the returning skipper gave his side a strong batting platform alongside Head, who slammed a long-awaited half-century off 27 balls.

They powered Australia to 104-0 in 8.2 overs before Head departed for 59 and that marked the beginning of a dramatic downturn.

Marsh followed soon after with a quick 54 as they collapsed alarmingly to be bowled out for 181, losing their last five wickets in the space of seven runs and just 14 balls.

With Sri Lanka chasing the goal with ease, the Australians have little sporting hope left and will nervously watch Zimbabwe’s match against Ireland on Tuesday.