Pallekele, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka emphatically continued their strong start to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, securing a dominant 105-run victory over Oman at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on . The win, built on a powerful batting display and disciplined bowling, solidifies their position at the top of Group B and sets them up nicely for a challenging encounter with Australia.
The co-hosts posted a tournament-record total of 225/5, surpassing previous marks for the 2026 competition. Rapid half-centuries from Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis, and a blistering knock from captain Dasun Shanaka propelled Sri Lanka to their imposing score. Oman, in response, struggled to build any momentum, ultimately finishing on 120/9.
Shanaka’s innings was particularly noteworthy. Walking to the crease with Sri Lanka at 136/3 in the 14th over, the captain unleashed a stunning late-order assault. He smashed two fours and five sixes on his way to a remarkable 50 off just 19 balls – a new record for the fastest fifty by a Sri Lankan in T20 international cricket, eclipsing his previous best of 20 balls against India in Pune in 2023.
Earlier in the innings, Rathnayake laid the foundation with a brisk 60 off 28 balls, while Mendis provided a composed 61 from 45 deliveries. The pair’s partnership set the stage for Shanaka’s explosive finish, allowing Sri Lanka to reach 225/5 – the second-highest total ever recorded by the team in a T20 World Cup match.
Oman’s chase faltered from the outset. Only two batsmen managed to reach double figures: Muhammad Nadeem, who showed resilience with an unbeaten 53, and Wasim Ali, who contributed 27 off 20 balls. The rest of the Oman batting lineup struggled to cope with the accuracy and variety of the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana were the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, each claiming two wickets. Their ability to exert pressure and take crucial wickets stifled Oman’s attempts to build any significant partnerships.
The victory comes on the heels of Sri Lanka’s 20-run win over Ireland in their tournament opener, demonstrating their early dominance in Group B. The team’s batting depth and bowling versatility are quickly establishing them as a serious contender in the competition.
For Oman, this defeat represents a significant setback. Having also lost their opening match against Zimbabwe, they face an uphill battle to qualify for the next stage of the tournament. Their remaining match against Ireland in Colombo on Saturday will be crucial.
Sri Lanka’s next challenge comes against a formidable Australian side at the same Pallekele venue on Monday. The match promises to be a captivating contest between two of the tournament’s strongest teams. Shanaka’s recent form, coupled with the consistent performances of Mendis and Rathnayake, will be key to Sri Lanka’s chances of success. The team will need to maintain their momentum and adapt to the different challenges posed by the Australian attack.
The clinical performance against Oman showcased Sri Lanka’s ability to perform under pressure and execute their game plan effectively. The team’s all-round contribution, with both bat and ball, highlights their depth and potential. As they prepare to face Australia, Sri Lanka will be confident of continuing their winning streak and making a strong statement in the T20 World Cup 2026.
While Oman’s Nadeem showed fight with his unbeaten half-century, it was ultimately a lone effort. The team’s batting fragility was exposed, and they will need to address their shortcomings if they are to have any chance of recovering in the remainder of the tournament. The experience gained from these early matches will be invaluable as they look to develop and compete against stronger opposition.
