Watch: Pathum Nissanka pulls off stunning blinder to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in SL vs AUS T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Sri Lanka are up against Australia in the 30th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on February 16. After winning two back-to-back matches, the hosts will take on one of the best sides in the world. Australia were plagued by injury concerns ahead of the tournament.

But now, their captain, Mitchell Marsh, made his way back into the team after recovering from a groin injury. Before him, Travis Head captained the side in the previous two games. In the ongoing match, Australia batted first after losing the toss and put 181 runs on the board, thanks to Head and Marsh's half-century. 

However, in the 16th over, Dushan Hemantha bowled a flighted delivery on off to Glenn Maxwell, and he tried to reverse sweep towards backward point, but Pathum Nissanka got hold of the ball to send the batter back to the pavilion. It was an astounding catch, which was extremely difficult, but he made it look easy. The ball was travelling towards the boundary at great speed, but Nissanka timed his jump and caught the ball. 

Watch the video here:

Australia somehow managed to reach a par score because they got a good start by the openers. Maxwell was dismissed on 22 off 15 balls, including one boundary and six. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis scored 27 off 22 balls, hitting three boundaries. For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha claimed three wickets while Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets. 

Will Australia qualify for Super 8 if they lose against Sri Lanka?

Australia have reached a stage in the T20 World Cup 2026 where every match is a do-or-die for them. They started their tournament late, on February 11, against Ireland, and won the match comfortably. But they lost their next encounter against Zimbabwe, which jeopardised their chances of qualification for the Super 8 stage. 

Now, if Australia lose against Sri Lanka, they'll have to win against Oman and will have to hope for Zimbabwe to lose their next two matches. Only then will Australia be able to qualify for the Super 8. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will book their berth in the knockouts if they beat Australia today.