Watch, SL vs AUS | Nissanka celebrates first century in current World Cup with statement gesture

‌Australia were on the brink of being eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2026 after an eight-wicket thrashing at the hands of Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Monday. The opening pair of Travis Head (56) and captain Mitchell Marsh (54) added 104 runs in just 50 balls after the visitors were put in at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. But leg spinner Dushan Hemantha led an inspiring comeback from the co-hosts with a three-wicket haul to bowl out the visitors for 181.

In reply, opener Pathum Nissanka smashed five sixes and 10 fours en route to an unbeaten 52-ball century, the first in the current T20 World Cup, to make light work of the chase. Though the islanders lost Kusal Perera cheaply, Nissanka put on 97 runs for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis (51) to set the foundation for the team’s highest successful pursuit in the marquee event.

Nissanka could not have timed his first T20I century at home better, as his knock carried the team into the Super Eights of the competition. With 13 runs required off the last three overs, the batter hit two boundaries off leg spinner Adam Zampa and ran a brace to reach 99 before completing his landmark with a single towards mid-wicket.

He then walked to the centre before removing his helmet and holding his hands wide open to soak in all the adulation and applause from a rapturous crowd. He then dropped his helmet and willow down and removed his gloves to place his finger on his lips in a stylish celebration.

The decibel levels rose as he sent the Aussies into silent submission, as the 2021 champions stared at an early elimination.

What a knock!