Watch: Pathum Nissanka smashes ton against Australia, pulls off unique celebration in T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka have officially qualified for the Super 8 stage in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, thanks to a phenomenal century by opener Pathum Nissanka against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Monday. The 27-year-old cricketer not only hit a century, but also helped the team create several records today. 

Sri Lanka chased 182 runs, which became their highest chase at home. Nissanka, one of the best Sri Lankan batters, scored a century in 52 balls, becoming the second-fastest T20I centurion for the country after Kusal Perera. When Sri Lanka came to bat, they lost Perera in the second over of the innings. But Kusal Mendis and Nissanka played a fantastic knock, forming a 97-run partnership.

They set the base for the match, and after Mendis' dismissal, Pavan Rathnayake joined the party, scoring a cameo of 28 off 15 balls, including six boundaries. But it was Nissanka who stuck around to complete his century and help his team cross the victory line. He wreaked havoc on the Australian bowlers, hitting ten boundaries and five sixes. He treated the pacers and spinners equally as they watched the balls sail towards the stands. 

The right-handed batter took complete control over the game and eventually stayed unbeaten in the end. After reaching his century, he made a unique celebration where he put his finger to his mouth. 

Watch the video here:

We needed a good power play: Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka's star opener Pathum Nissanka slammed a brilliant century against Australia. He revealed that they needed to build a partnership to win the game, and they got that. He, along with Kusal Mendis, formed a 97-run partnership that helped Sri Lanka take the game home. 

"We needed a good power play. We got a good partnership with Kusal Mendis. And we were able to continue from there and after that it was just continuing the inning and seeing it through," said Pathum Nissanka at the post-match presentation.

The hosts have qualified for the Super 8 and are currently the table toppers as well. If they win their next match, they will remain in the first position. However, it will be difficult for Australia to qualify for the knockouts if Zimbabwe win their next game tomorrow against Ireland.