On Monday, February 16, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Australia started very well as openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh scored 104 runs together in just nine overs. However, the Sri Lankan spinners bowled very well and stopped Australia’s momentum. The 2021 T20 World Cup champions were eventually all out for 181.

Sri Lanka chased the target in just 18 overs, losing only two wickets. Pathum Nissanka was the star, scoring an unbeaten century. Kusal Mendis also made a strong fifty to help Sri Lanka reach the Super-Eights stage.

Australia will now have to wait and hope Ireland beats Zimbabwe on Tuesday. If Zimbabwe wins, Australia will be eliminated. Many fans and former players are shocked by this result and are sharing their reactions on X.

Also read -PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi walks out frustrated from stadium after Pakistan's loss to India in T20 World Cup: Reports

Australia’s Weak Bowling Attack Faces Criticism

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that Australia are missing Josh Hazlewood’s services, as the veteran pacer was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Pathan also questioned if Australia has no bowlers who can bowl over 140 kph.

"Australia was clearly missing Josh Hazlewood. Also, there are no young quicks who can bowl 140+ in Australia?" Pathan asked on X.

Australia was clearly missing Josh Hazlewood. Also, there are no young quicks who can bowl 140+ in Australia?

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 16, 2026

Aakash Chopra Questions Australia’s Batting Depth

Hazlewood’s injury also ruled out Pat Cummins, further weakening Australia’s bowling attack. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted that the batting lineup has also struggled, failing to chase against Zimbabwe and scoring only six runs in the last two overs against Sri Lanka.

"Yes, it’s the weakest Australian bowling attack to play in a World Cup…but what about the batting depth? Australia’s exit might be confirmed by 6 pm tomorrow. They need the world-famous ‘Kudrat Ka Nizaam’ to stay alive," Chopra wrote on X.

Yes, it’s the weakest Australian bowling attack to play in a World Cup…but what about the batting depth? Couldn’t chase vs Zim. Scored 6 runs in the last 2 overs tonight.
Australia’s exit might be confirmed by 6pm tomorrow. They need the world famous ‘Kudrat Ka Nizaam’ to stay…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 16, 2026

Australia’s early exit will leave a bitter taste at the #T20WorldCup. Pakistan now have a great chance to reach the top four. I hope we learn from yesterday’s game and move forward with a positive mindset and the right team combination

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) February 16, 2026

Here are some other viral tweets from the AUS vs SL match:

Captain of T20 World Cup 2024 - Eliminated
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 - Ruled out
T20 World Cup 2026 - Injured, played one lost#karmaisreal pic.twitter.com/YHBgud7N8l

— Dr. Mahesh ThuppeKallu (@MaheshThuppeKal) February 16, 2026

“It means they’re essentially out of the World Cup.”

SEN Cricket commentator @tommorris32 wraps up Australia’s overnight loss to Sri Lanka and discusses where if all went wrong.#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/miO1DAzLdv

— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) February 16, 2026

The real Aussies came out of their shell when they needed to win a must-win game at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 🔥 🤔 pic.twitter.com/dSfzyOzJAg

— CricFollow (@CricFollow56) February 16, 2026

PATHUM NISSANKA, remember the name! 💯🙌

✅ First-ever 💯 of this World Cup
✅ First-ever 💯 against AUS in ICC Men's T20 WC

Up next 👉 ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #NZvCAN | TUE, 17 FEB, 10:30 AM pic.twitter.com/gR7ZeqMNF3

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 16, 2026