Quick Read
- Sri Lanka defeated Oman by 105 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
- Pavan Rathnayake was named Player of the Match for his 60 runs off 28 balls.
- Sri Lanka posted a total of 225/5, with half-centuries from Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis, and Dasun Shanaka.
- Dasun Shanaka scored Sri Lanka’s fastest T20I fifty in 19 balls.
- Mohammad Nadeem of Oman became the oldest T20 World Cup half-centurion at 43 years old.
PALLEKELE (Azat TV) – Sri Lanka delivered a dominant performance against Oman, securing a resounding 105-run victory in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, February 12, 2026. This comprehensive win not only marked Sri Lanka’s second successive triumph in the tournament but also significantly boosted their net run rate, propelling them to the top of Group B.
The match showcased Sri Lanka’s formidable batting prowess, with Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis, and captain Dasun Shanaka each notching half-centuries, setting a daunting target of 226 for Oman. In response, Oman’s batting line-up struggled against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, managing only 120 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Blitz in T20 World Cup 2026
After Oman captain Jatinder Singh won the toss and elected to bowl first, Sri Lanka’s innings began with early wickets, losing openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka. However, the co-hosts quickly recovered, with Kusal Mendis, the wicketkeeper-batsman, and Pavan Rathnayake forging a crucial 94-run partnership off just 52 balls. Rathnayake, awarded Player of the Match, was particularly aggressive, smashing 60 runs off a mere 28 deliveries, including eight fours and a six, achieving Sri Lanka’s second-fastest fifty in T20 World Cup history.
Following Rathnayake’s departure, captain Dasun Shanaka took charge, launching a late assault on the Omani bowlers. Shanaka reached his half-century in an astonishing 19 balls, recording Sri Lanka’s fastest T20I fifty, with five sixes and two fours. Kusal Mendis played a pivotal anchor role, scoring a steady 61 off 45 balls. Sri Lanka’s aggressive approach in the latter half of their innings saw them accumulate 129 runs in the final 10 overs, ultimately posting a massive total of 225 for five.
Oman’s Challenging Chase and Notable Record
Faced with a formidable target, Oman’s chase faltered from the outset. Dushmantha Chameera provided Sri Lanka with an early breakthrough, bowling Oman captain Jatinder Singh for just one run in the first over. Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza also fell cheaply, leaving Oman reeling at 36 for three within the powerplay. The pressure of the soaring required run rate proved too much for the Omani middle order, leading to a series of wickets.
Despite the collapse, Mohammad Nadeem provided a glimmer of hope for Oman, showcasing resilience with an unbeaten half-century. The 43-year-old Nadeem scored 53 off 56 balls, marking his third T20I fifty and becoming the oldest half-centurion in T20 World Cup history, surpassing former Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya’s record. However, his individual effort was not enough to stem the tide, as Oman struggled to build significant partnerships, eventually finishing their innings at 120 for nine.
Sri Lanka’s Dominant Bowling and Group B Standing
Sri Lanka’s bowlers complemented their batting performance with a clinical display. Dushmantha Chameera was instrumental in the early wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana proved to be the pick of the bowlers, conceding only 11 runs and claiming two crucial wickets, including those of Aamir Kaleem and Wasim Ali. Dunith Wellalage also contributed with a wicket, keeping the pressure on the Omani batsmen throughout their innings.
The comprehensive 105-run victory sends a strong message from Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting the tournament. The win has significantly improved their net run rate to +3.125, placing them firmly at the top of Group B. Sri Lanka will carry this momentum into their next crucial encounters, with matches against Ireland on Saturday, February 14, and Australia on Monday, February 16, both scheduled at their home grounds.
Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory over Oman underscores their strong contention in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, demonstrating a well-rounded team capable of both explosive batting and disciplined bowling, setting a high benchmark for their upcoming Group B opponents.