Watch: Pathum Nissanka takes a stunner to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in SL vs AUS T20 WC match

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Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka, the hero of today’s (February 16) match, took an absolute blinder to dismiss dangerous Australian batter Glenn Maxwell in match No. 30 of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The diving effort by Nissanka is now in the race for the best catch of the entire tournament.

Sri Lanka, the co-host of the 2026 T20 World Cup, was up against Australia at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The home team displayed an all-round cricket to outclass the Aussies. That catch will remain as one of the turning moments of the contest.

The effort can earn Pathum Nissanka catch of the tournament award

Australia suffered their second loss tonight as Sri Lanka outplayed them by 8 wickets, chasing 182. The dismissal of Glen Maxwell might have reduced them from adding some more runs on the scoreboard.

Maxwell, who was struggling with his form for a significant amount of time, was looking in rhythm against Sri Lanka. The seasoned campaigner pulled out a reverse sweep off Dushan Hemantha in search of a much-needed boundary.

The sound from the willow was the evidence that the batter made a fine contact. The ball was travelling at a lightning pace only to be grabbed by Nissanka. Going against the gravity, he launched himself into the air at the backward point, stretched both of his hands over the head, and grabbed the ball. This kind of jaw-dropping catch can turn the momentum of a match any time.

Australia’s challenging total crushed by Pathum Nissanka’s 100*

Maxwell departed for a well-made 22 off 15, and Australia registered a challenging total of 181. Though, the Lankan batters needed only 18 overs to achieve the target, in exchange for only 2 wickets.

Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lankan opener, scored an undisputed 100 as well to confirm the statement-making victory. The 52-ball innings was decorated with ten 4s and five 6s. In fine form, Kusal Mendis smashed another half-century in the tournament. Marcus Stoinis, with an economy rate of 11.50 in 4 overs, proved very costly for Australia.

Australia on the verge of elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026

After today’s match, Team Australia is in great trouble as they are now on the verge of crashing out of the tournament. Sri Lanka, with 3 wins in 3 matches, remains undefeated in the group stage. On the other side, Australia sustained two defeats in three matches.

Zimbabwe is currently ahead of them in the points table of Group B, with 4 points. They handed a shocking defeat to Mitchell Marsh and Co. on February 13. The Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka match on February 19 will be very important to decide the top 2 teams in the group.

Read More: Matheesha Pathirana walks off against Australia as Sri Lanka suffer another huge injury blow