Today’s (February 16) hero of the match Pathum Nissanka produced an unerring effort to dismiss dangerous Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell in match number 30 of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Nissanka’s diving effort is now in the running for best catch of the entire tournament.
Sri Lanka, co-host of the 2026 T20 World Cup, was up against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The home team displayed all-round cricket to defeat the Australian team. That catch will go down as one of the defining moments of the contest.
This effort could net Pathum Nissanka the tournament prize
Australia suffered their second defeat tonight as Sri Lanka lost by 8 wickets while chasing 182 runs. Glenn Maxwell’s dismissal may leave them short of adding a few more runs on the scoreboard.
Maxwell, who was struggling with his form for a long time, looked in form against Sri Lanka. The experienced campaigner produced a reverse sweep off Dushan Hemantha in search of a much-needed boundary.
The sound coming from the willow was evidence that the batsman had made good contact. The ball was going at lightning speed but Nissanka caught it. Going against gravity, he launched himself into the air at backward point, extended both his arms above his head and caught the ball. Such a surprising catch can change the course of the match at any time.
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Pathum Nissanka defies gravity with full force to dismiss Maxwell!
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– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 16 February 2026
Pathum Nissanka’s 100* crushes Australia’s challenging total
Maxwell was out for 22 off 15 and Australia posted a challenging score of 181. However, to achieve the target, the Lankan batsmen needed only 18 overs for the loss of only 2 wickets.
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka confirmed the victory by scoring an undisputed 100. The 52-ball innings was adorned with ten fours and five sixes. Kusal Mendis, who was in excellent form, scored another half-century in the tournament. Marcus Stoinis proved to be very expensive for Australia with an economy rate of 11.50 in 4 overs.
Australia on the verge of being out of T20 World Cup 2026
After today’s match, Team Australia is in big trouble because now it is on the verge of being out of the tournament. Sri Lanka is undefeated in the group stage with 3 wins from 3 matches. On the other hand, Australia had to face two defeats in three matches.
Zimbabwe is currently ahead of them in the Group B points table with 4 points. They inflicted a shocking defeat on Mitchell Marsh and company on 13 February. The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka match on 19th February will be very important to decide the top 2 teams in the group.
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