The defeat in opposition to Sri Lanka dragged Australia in entrance of the exit door of the continuing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Australia began the match properly however couldn’t carry the momentum, which ultimately gifted them the second defeat within the marketing campaign.
After the match, it was devastating Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh who stated that their possibilities of survival within the race are fully within the laps of the almighty.
Australia out on a difficult effort vs Sri Lanka
Australia went to bat first on the Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium and registered 181 in 20 overs. 181 was not a paltry complete, nevertheless it was Pathum Nissanka, who claimed an unbeaten century, and the top-order Sri Lankan batters who made it straightforward to assert.
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Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, the openers of Australia, began off the innings on a constructive notice. Each of the batters scored a half-century every so as to add 104 runs for the opening stand.
The best way Australia went off, a complete over 200 was trying not too distant. Because the innings progressed, Sri Lankan bowlers balanced the momentum. Dushan Hemantha took 3, and a brace for Dushmantha Chameera.
Pathum Nissanka’s chic ton has put Australia getting ready to #T20WorldCup elimination.
Full report: https://t.co/X32rXkliNC pic.twitter.com/Swhxt3gWB9
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 16, 2026
Mitchell Marsh defined why they misplaced the match
Mitchell Marsh identified they could have fallen quick by some extra runs. He credited the Sri Lankan bowlers.
“I assumed it was a aggressive complete. We most likely left ourselves just a few quick after the beginning we had. Effectively performed to SL; they outplayed us tonight. We all know that at our greatest we will make large scores. We simply misplaced our method in direction of the again finish. SL bowled rather well in direction of the again finish,” Mitchell Marsh stated.
Marsh was working out of phrases as they had been standing in entrance of an surprising state of affairs. Earlier than the event, they had been thought of a prime contender to play the semifinals. In actuality, the Australia cricket crew can undergo a humiliating exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“We knew we had been just a few quick. Not a lot else to say besides that SL outplayed us. We’re within the lap of the gods now, I feel. There are a whole lot of feelings within the room proper now. Have not been at our greatest. Dissatisfied bunch in the mean time,” Mitchell Marsh stated in pure disappointment.
Factors distribution in Group B
The Aussies are at present on the third spot on the factors desk of Group B with 2 factors in 3 matches. They suffered a surprising loss in opposition to Zimbabwe as properly. Sri Lanka, with 3 wins in 3 matches, stays on prime of the ladder as an undefeated troop within the group stage.
Zimbabwe is positioned within the second spot with 4 factors. The upcoming match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on February 19 will determine the way forward for the Australia cricket crew.
Learn Extra: Watch: Pathum Nissanka takes a stunner to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in SL vs AUS T20 WC match
