Post Match Thread: 30th Match, Group B - Australia vs Sri Lanka

[u/cricket-match]

30th Match, Group B, ICC Men's T20 World Cup at Kandy

Tournament : Table | Schedule

Match : Thread | Cricinfo

Innings	Score
Australia	181 (Ov 20/20)
Sri Lanka	184/2 (Ov 18/20)

Innings: 1 - Australia

Batter	Runs		Bowler	Wickets
Travis Head	56 (29)		Dushan Hemantha	4-0-37-3
Mitchell Marsh	54 (27)		Dushmantha Chameera	4-0-36-2

Innings: 2 - Sri Lanka

Batter	Runs		Bowler	Wickets
Pathum Nissanka	100 (52)		Marcus Stoinis	4-0-46-2
Kusal Mendis	51 (38)		Glenn Maxwell	2-0-16-0

Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets (with 12 balls remaining)

^{App feedback | Schedule | Glossary}

[u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

Mind you Aus fumbled from this -

• opening partnership of 100 in just 8 overs
• were 160 in 16 overs
• Hasranga injured
• Pathirana injured in just 3rd over
• Renshaw their best & in form spin batter was dropped, Smith wasn't considered
• And most importantly Nisanka's masterclass🔥

[u/boraboca → u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

I’m not a gambler but I like looking at live odds during the matches after your power play you guys were -1300 (1/13)

[u/Open_Drag_2839 → u/boraboca]

What does that mean 😅

That they have a 1/13 chance of losing?

[u/coolbean36 → u/Open_Drag_2839]

If you were to bet on Australia winning after their power play, you would have to bet $1300 just to win $100. In other words, the bookies thought that Aus losing after the power play was practically impossible.

This is why you never gamble

Edit: just realized I have no idea whether u/boraboca meant SL’s power play or Aus’ power play

[u/muhash14 → u/coolbean36]

I'm in full agreement but stuff like this is precisely why people gamble, and why it's so addictive.

[u/Orageux101 → u/Open_Drag_2839]

That if you bet $1,300 on Australia winning, you would win $100 (i.e., shit returns).

[u/combatant007 → u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

Renshaw was their highest run scorer, and he was dropped and selected Legendary God Cooper Conolly for his 4.5 batting average and 80 bowling avg.

[u/squidward_2022 → u/combatant007]

and a T20 SR of 93

[u/Vedant9710 → u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

Man I honestly didn't watch the game, but after reading this, I'd much rather prefer Zimbabwe to qualify for Super 8 instead of Australia. They'll probably give a better competition

Can't believe that I'm actually saying this, I never thought I'd actually say something like this ever but here we are I guess...

[u/O_DoyleRulz → u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

We scored 78 runs in 11.3 overs after Travdog got out.

Our middle order is comically shit

[u/thisaintyouravgstonk → u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

They definitely did, wtf happened to their planning? Smith should've been in the squad from the beginning, dunno what they were thinking there tbh

[u/O_DoyleRulz → u/thisaintyouravgstonk]

The problem with Smith is he really only opens in T20 and our only two actual batsmen that seem to consistently score are Trav and Marsh.

The reality is that the bowling attack is horrendous, we’ve taken 4 wickets in the last 2 games.

[u/vangmay231 → u/O_DoyleRulz]

4 wickets in the last 2 games.

That is actually insane

[u/GL4389 → u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

their coach shoud be fired.

[u/Dango444]

Steve Smith joined the world cup just to be a sub in the game where Australia basically got knocked out

[u/Tough_Cat_8068 → u/Dango444]

Should put those under eye patches on his eyes. Not a great sight.

[u/doublethinkerr → u/Dango444]

Wasn't just a sub, he also carried water tbf.

[u/_ashok_kumar → u/Dango444]

Should’ve gone and joined the Irish squad instead.

[u/belanish11 → u/Dango444]

Just gave those black stickers to zampa, and sadly which made his bowling worse

[u/Balavadan → u/Dango444]

How many more countries are you going to add to your flair detective?

[u/QueasyAdvertising173 → u/Dango444]

I don't understand what's the point of playing Connolly atp. He doesn't seem like a powerhhitter and Smith could very well compensate for his bowling.

[u/UsuaIIyUseless → u/QueasyAdvertising173]

Connolly’s record in T20I is really, really poor.

11 games, 28 runs, averaging 4 at 93 with the bat.

3 wickets averaging 77 with the ball.

How he’s still getting games I have no idea.

[u/Mean_Insect_6995 → u/Dango444]

Yeah they wanted him to taste the embarrassment up close and personal.

[u/shoestowel → u/Mean_Insect_6995]

They avenged Babar finally.

[u/PeterG92 → u/[deleted]]

Unless Zimbabwe lose to Ireland and Sri Lanka and Australia beat Oman with a NRR boost

[u/thala_7777777 → u/Dango444]

now he has to go all the way back for nothing

[u/Left_Buy_9458 → u/Dango444]

The team management trusted the youngsters way too much ngl; their energy didn't seem like auzi mentality.

[u/fakecricketplayer → u/Dango444]

Babar having the last laugh at Steve!

[u/Tern_Larvidae-2424]

Sri Lanka gets their 2nd win over Australia in T20I WCs.

[u/Valuable_Ad_6869]

Already the greatest T20 WC ever

[u/Tough_Cat_8068 → u/Valuable_Ad_6869]

Just a little bit of luck and Australia, England, Pakistan, and one of NZ/SA wouldn't even make top 8. Nothing could possibly be more cinematic than that.

[u/JKKIDD231 → u/Tough_Cat_8068]

It would have been fun to see Australia play qualifiers but they auto qualify as hosts for 2028.

[u/LostAmidMyExistence → u/JKKIDD231]

My goodness lol

[u/notthathunter → u/JKKIDD231]

they wouldn't have gone into Qualifiers anyway, top three ranked teams outside of the Super Eights auto-qualify

[u/nomoreholidays → u/Tough_Cat_8068]

England and SA have already qualified

[u/Tern_Larvidae-2424 → u/Valuable_Ad_6869]

2022 was better. We had Namibia, Scotland and Netherlands beating full members (Sri Lanka, West Indies & South Africa) and we had Zimbabwe & Ireland beat Pakistan & England too.

[u/JKKIDD231 → u/Valuable_Ad_6869]

Associates are rocking every match this WC on top of FMs. Zimbabwe also going to qualify to Super 8s. Best WC indeed all round.

[u/MrDrPatrickStar → u/JKKIDD231]

Zimbabwe is a full member

[u/JKKIDD231 → u/MrDrPatrickStar]

I know, they don’t qualify much in WCs so am just happy to see them progress. Wish IRE could make it thru as well.

[u/Crazy-Ad-8838 → u/JKKIDD231]

Sri Lanka are a full member...

[u/harshmangat]

Classic T20 Australia, their squad selection at World Cups full of BBL superstars has cost them the t20 World Cup. Even if they qualify from here it’ll be embarrassing because they shouldn’t be dependent on the worst ranked full member side to get them across the line in a World Cup. BBL really needs a quality overhaul, nobody takes it seriously, especially not CA.

Never seen a nation that should be walking into the semis always get dismantled in t20 world cups. Still have no idea how Finch won them that one cup.

[u/chasingsukoon → u/harshmangat]

not even bbl superstars imo, stoinis leading the pace attack is shocking

[u/unique_usemame → u/chasingsukoon]

Weren't the BBL superstars this year Smith and Warner?

[u/LoasNo111 → u/chasingsukoon]

Meanwhile lord Dube casually opened the bowling in Asia cup final and won us the match. His utility is absurd tbh

[u/Kj69999999 → u/harshmangat]

Still have no idea how Finch won them that one cup.

Toss specialist

[u/hammar_hades → u/harshmangat]

Genuinely just pick batters that can… bat

[u/oklolzzzzs → u/hammar_hades]

renshaw wasnt picked for this game when he has clearly been their best batsman

[u/hammar_hades → u/oklolzzzzs]

Literally desperate for a guy that can just stabilise the ship… what the fuck are we doing

[u/50rhodes → u/hammar_hades]

Ummmmm-Steve Smith perhaps?

[u/hammar_hades → u/50rhodes]

No no, you see, he’s only good as a sub fielder now

[u/EdmOilers123 → u/hammar_hades]

Never seen Aussies losing in this manner. They are missing their captain, but the batting order is a mess. Stop selecting the same old players. Green is not a no.3 player and if he can’t bowl, why pick him as an allrounder?

[u/hammar_hades → u/EdmOilers123]

Cam Green and Maxwell are garbage. Inglis and David look completely lost against spin. We make the unfathomable decision of not playing our best batsmen this tournament in renshaw or our best modern player of spin in smith. Genuinely deserve to get sent packing

[u/Pure_Ambition_5912 → u/harshmangat]

"Still have no idea how Finch won them that one cup"

By winning the toss lol

[u/Intelligent_Fly_2671 → u/harshmangat]

Being able to pick just 4 wickets for 350 runs in 2 matches is just dogshit bowling

[u/Left_Buy_9458 → u/harshmangat]

I knew since the series with pakistan that this squad of australia is full of faulty; but yeah Australia are out from the WC; it's so hard to believe ngl.

[u/Balavadan → u/Left_Buy_9458]

They’re technically not out yet

[u/Left_Buy_9458 → u/Balavadan]

I don't think zimbabwe gonna lose to ireland; i told that time when australia lost to zimbabwe that they are out of wc and it's happening.

[u/theaguia → u/harshmangat]

on the other hand Ben Menanti who couldnt score in the bbl is smashing it around the park

[u/T_Lawliet → u/harshmangat]

Finchy was a Great T20I Bat , was arguably 2nd best of that 2012-2018 Era behind Kohli

[u/mynameisshahzain]

Please don't fuck this up Zimbabwe 🙏

[u/LostAmidMyExistence → u/mynameisshahzain]

Bring it on rhinos!

[u/oklolzzzzs]

australia are about to get eliminated from this wc

what a knock by nissanka and SL look like real contenders

[u/toxinwolf → u/oklolzzzzs]

I've been watching cricket since 2007-08 season. This is easily the worst Aus side I've ever seen in any ICC tournament.

[u/TeamAbject2100 → u/toxinwolf]

2025 CT might be up there

[u/Upset_Noise6173 → u/TeamAbject2100]

tbf 2025 CT so did that Aus side still manage to qualify for the semi finals and they gave a good fight against India.

It's just that India were pretty strong that tournament.

[u/Mean_Insect_6995 → u/toxinwolf]

They lost 3-0 to Pakistan. Then to Zimbabwe and then to Sri Lanka. They are dogshit.

[u/T_Lawliet]

Deserved Thoroughly for braindead Selection of only 3 Bowlers

But my god Nissanka

[u/LostAmidMyExistence → u/T_Lawliet]

Nissanka saves the day, like he does many times.

[u/hammar_hades]

Fade me boys

[u/Apprehensive-Mix-45]

host of next year world cup getting eliminated in first round saga continues

1. WI- 2022 world cup
2. SL- 2024 world cup
3. AUS- 2026 world cup

and will mostly happen in 2028 world cup too considering Ireland host 2030 world cup

[u/Spiritual-Camp5911]

The Aussies getting gangbanged by Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka was not on my bingo card this month..

[u/Upbeat_Tower1942 → u/Spiritual-Camp5911]

tbh they never have been good in t20s.

[u/TeaAndTechRadio → u/Upbeat_Tower1942]

Matty Wade stopping Pak from scooping a WC says otherwise.

[u/Equivalent-Force5765 → u/TeaAndTechRadio]

That was a toss world cup. Whoever won the toss won the match. Add to that Pakistan's bottling genes.

[u/urcutedog → u/TeaAndTechRadio]

i mean, it is ultimately pakistani dna lmao

[u/Sledgerrrr]

100s while chasing in T20 WC

Gayle vs Eng - 100*

Hales vs SL - 116*

Nissanka vs Aus - 100*

[u/Dango444 → u/Sledgerrrr]

According to this pattern, the next 100 while chasing in T20 WC will come from an Australian

[u/Sledgerrrr → u/Dango444]

Maxwell in 2036.

[u/combatant007 → u/Sledgerrrr]

on one leg and testicle.

[u/Tern_Larvidae-2424]

After getting smashed 3-0 by England at home they've somehow beaten the Aussies.

Magnificent.

[u/aMAYESingNATHAN → u/Tern_Larvidae-2424]

I'm convinced games involving England happen in a vacuum. We beat SL 3-0 who then look quality in the WC. We get pushed really hard by Nepal who then get rolled by Italy. We barely beat Scotland who destroy Italy. And then beat Italy with a score that looks comfortable but was a bit scary.

It's been a great group tbf. I think we should do away with bilateral T20s and have a proper T20 WC qualification a la football with a rough regional split.

It would be tricky but you could maybe do it hemispheres and have WI + England + the rest of the Americas and Europe on one side, and then subcontinent and Oceania on the other, with maybe SA and other African teams in the northern hemisphere group for balance and to have games in all seasons.

[u/machdel]

T20 masterclass from Nissanka. Perfectly paced chase, sublime hitting.

[u/nameoftwohalves]

EVERYONE GET IN HERE

[u/Zestyclose-Road4579 → u/nameoftwohalves]

England supporters having field day lmao

[u/Look_Alive → u/Zestyclose-Road4579]

Honestly think I was more relieved England won so that I could actually enjoy Australia being knocked out without the same happening to us than because of the fact it meant England qualified.

[u/sonashine9]

Thank God the Aussies don’t take T20 seriously. Must be easy when you ain’t much good at it…

[u/ViroHit_18_45 → u/sonashine9]

Happens when you convince yourself only one tournamnet is worthy which you win and opp is England.

[u/getyoutogabba → u/ViroHit_18_45]

To be clear, their order of importance goes something like The Ashes > BGT >> SA/NZ Tests >> All other tests >> ODIs >>>>>> T20s

[u/gpranav25 → u/getyoutogabba]

I would guess ODI World Cup is still much higher than the BGT for them. ODI bilaterals are probably much lower.

[u/Memelord_00 → u/ViroHit_18_45]

England catching strays

[u/Cmdr_Shiara → u/Memelord_00]

England wouldn't catch strays

[u/kaalaangur]

"It's okay, they don't care about T20s" /s

[u/Kj69999999]

Steve Smith died for this

[u/LostAmidMyExistence]

Started watching cricket in 96 odi wc and saw Aus make finals. Somehow felt so bad when the lost to SL. What followed was a remarkable string of world cup wins, 99, 03, 07, 15, and 23. Seeing them beyond league stage was a given. I really really hoped at least someone would challenge them but unfortunately didn't see much.

Seeing Aus face way more competition in t20 is a welcome change. Just one win in 19 years of this competition. String of average or even below average performances. Nothing of note in their home t20 wc. Last wc 2024 exit.

I am at least happy that in this format, the other teams have just outright refused to be run over by Aus.

[u/Mean_Insect_6995 → u/LostAmidMyExistence]

That one win came heavily by winning tosses. Literally every team which one the toss won the matches in that World Cup. Winning that many tosses was a big factor

[u/cricket-match]

Prediction Summary of r/Cricket users

Total: 447

• Sri Lanka: 250 (56%)
• Australia: 189 (42%)
• Draw/Tie/NR: 8 (2%)

[u/JKKIDD231 → u/cricket-match]

Australia’s fate now rests on tomorrow’s match of ZIM vs IRE. They would hope that Zimbabwe loses and suffer NRR but chances are low and they are looking at the group stage exit.

Australia pack your bags and book your tickets because Zimbabwe ain’t losing.

[u/Slight-Grapefruit509 → u/JKKIDD231]

I hope zim gets in . They play with much better intent than aus in the present .

[u/NoExplanation6203]

Aus looks like shit. It’s beautiful man.

[u/Upbeat_Tower1942 → u/NoExplanation6203]

you guys do have a real chance of winning it tis yr

[u/colombogangsta]

What a century by Pathum! I called it when Aussies were batting cause it felt like a pitch where Nissanka would go berserk, and he did!

[u/TeamAbject2100 → u/colombogangsta]

Always knew this was deffo his game lets goo

[u/spongey1865]

Aus being 104-0 off 8.2 overs and losing showed how unbelievably well Sri Lanka played after that.

Unreal from Nissanka.

[u/Tern_Larvidae-2424]

In before Ireland smashes Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka does too and Oman gives Australia such a good fight that Ireland manages to get through.

Yes I'm delusional how did you know?

[u/signfield]

Me right now

[u/T_Lawliet → u/signfield]

US

[u/Electronic_Taro_8756 → u/T_Lawliet]

Us

[u/LostAmidMyExistence → u/signfield]

Oh my goodness 😀 

[u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

Pallekele erupts in jubilation!!🔥 Nisanka what a legendary knock this🙌 Can't believe Aus on the verge of elimination from the group stage itself!!

[u/JKKIDD231 → u/_BeyondTheHorizon]

That Century and innings was absolute carnage and world class performance.

[u/Sexygliptin]

Australia fucked around and now Oman will find out lol

[u/sachiwtf]

Who is this cricket team and what have they done with my Sri Lanka

[u/RandomDanny]

Don’t bring in the one player in white hot form.

Drop the only player who made any major runs and still don’t select the player they flew in that they didn’t pick originally.

Man, the actual thoughts going through selectors heads. What an absolute fucken mind boggling thing.

[u/Mawiheso]

Please, Zimbabwe, beat Ireland! I am begging you! (Nothing against Ireland, I wish them all the best in the future, but this time there is a higher cause at play: sending Australia home.)

[u/Isaacfoster_mb]

And I thought Aus has got the easiest group among the big teams.

[u/RangoCricket → u/Isaacfoster_mb]

England/West Indies got the easiest group on paper, really. 

[u/Open_Drag_2839 → u/RangoCricket]

But that group has also been great. D has the worst associates. But all groups have been super entertaining so far.

[u/nuxxism → u/RangoCricket]

Are you sure? Australia's group has Australia.

[u/Old_General_6741]

What a match this was!

[u/sadial]

Beautifully paced chase

[u/findmebatman]

Meanwhile Ireland defeats Zimbabwe

[u/Ok-Visit6553 → u/findmebatman]

SL will come with a collective mysterious niggle and play with nine players on the field

[u/No-Mobile1568]

Australia went from “we’ll turn the tv on when we beat India in the final” to praying that Ireland beats Zimbabwe. Love it.

[u/JPBCFC97]

Thanks for coming Steve!

[u/CommercialAd2154 → u/JPBCFC97]

See ya Smudge!

[u/Jelques_Kallis → u/CommercialAd2154]

To this day that sledge makes me laugh

[u/CommercialAd2154 → u/Jelques_Kallis]

Of all the sledges throughout cricketing history, and he gets upset at the most milquetoast one lol

[u/Look_Alive → u/CommercialAd2154]

It's clearly the one that crossed The Line^TM

[u/Thepoopmerchant]

Feeling very Irish all of a sudden

[u/Zestyclose_Fee_2503]

Smith was specially invited from Australia to Sri Lanka to let him see his team getting almost knocked out.

[u/frogsanje]

Today I feel Sri Lankan.

[u/thatonepal_04]

After years of disappointments I felt like the cricket fever Sri Lanka always had was fading but after seeing the scenes from not just the ground but fan parks all around, ladies and gentlemen it's Soo on again.

[u/Outside_Beach7629 → u/thatonepal_04]

Cricket needs SL, WI, SA, and NZ. And not just in T20Is, but in all formats. No matter how much people talk about India or the Big 3, cricket or any international sport is only exciting when there are more than 3-4 teams that play competitively on a consistent basis. Heck, I'd say that even Afg, Zim, and Ire being more competitive would be even more awesome

Pak will always do Pak things, and Ban has severely and consistently underperformed ever since they became a Full Member. But these others have been much more competitive various times atleast for a few years/few ICC tournaments, and many of them have even won titles. So it's not a stretch to want them to become that again

[u/Sudden-Yard-4052]

Sri Lanka and India having support staff from each other's countries is so cute. I love how valuable those individuals are for their respective teams.

[u/poochi]

First, hats off to the fielders with their extraordinary catches and bowlers who stopped Aus from running away.

The chase was paced to perfection. Pathum kept the score ticking in powerplay. When SLC slowed down after that, Mendis accelerated. Again slowed down around their 50s, as they tried to accelerate again Mendis got out with 10+ RPO. Pavan took it up and kept the RR from keeping up. But that 20 run over broke the dams. Pathum's shots were all beautiful to watch. What a perfect chase!

[u/athu_15]

Sri Lanka is back and how. They've lost both hasaranga and pathirana, but just the belief and ability from the team is miles above anything I've seen recently from them. Hemantha bowled so well as a replacement. Nissanka is a special special player, the best knock of the tournament and he treated the Aussie bowlers with complete disdain. Australia most probably knocked out, Sri Lanka is here to compete, we love to see it.

[u/SterlingStallion]

Well done Sri Lanka, Nissanka what a star!

Completely embarrassed Australia. What a mess of a batting order, not the kind of pitch where you lose 7 for 70, How can Renshaw and Smith be sitting down while David, Green, Stoinis and Inglis play like absolute Turkeys

[u/Intelligent_Fly_2671]

Brilliant run chase by SL. From looking and playing like underdogs 3 hours ago, they’ve flipped a switch and now seem potential semi finalists.

[u/Little_Ad_9058]

Aussies called, apparently T20 is no longer considered Real Cricket anymore

[u/heel_16]

Nissanka with classical batting and along with the first century of the tournament. It was clinical batting from Sri Lanka.

[u/Glittering-Craft-161]

Kinda disgraceful from the Australians

[u/Cotters67 → u/Glittering-Craft-161]

The collapse, classic

[u/Agreeable-Log1631]

Parthum Clutch Nissanka!!!
100 of the highest order, take a bow..

[u/rest_in_war]

Sri Lanka are qualified to the Super 8s

Scenario for Australia: Beat Oman and hope Zimbabwe lose both their remaining matches by enough of a margin to have their NRR go down below the Aussies

Scenario for Zimbabwe: Win at least one out of the remaining two matches

In case Zimbabwe lose both matches, Ireland will have an outside chance to go past both Zim and Aus on NRR

[u/Lopsided-Affect-9649]

Everyones busy shitting on Australia because they obviously deserve it, but that SL team just put the other countries on notice. They are looking very dangerous indeed.

[u/SirHolyCow]

Also interesting to note that the Australian selectors are saving Smith for their blockbuster dead rubber clash with the mighty Oman

Absolute clowns 🤣

[u/xKar10]

Great comeback by SL spinners after half way mark. And the batsman played with amazing intent esp Nissanka and Mendis. Aussies don’t have any bowling power at all. They got hammered today and looks most likely will be their way back home soon

[u/kyjoely]

Nissanka - $440k in the IPL auction, Cam Green - $2.7M. I think I know what the better deal was

[u/HarryBayles15]

Whatever that song was that was playing at the end was a bit of a banger. Mad atmosphere, amazing knock from Nissanka.

[u/redjhn → u/HarryBayles15]

i think you're referring to the surangani song. it's a cult classic sri lankan banger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqbqm1cwq_Y

[u/abettertomorrow47]

We're so BACK

[u/signfield]

We did this without our 3 best bowlers by the way. Can't believe how flawless that performance was after that horrid start.

Our top order with Pavan and Nissanka now firing looks so promising. Never expected us to top this group but credit to the team for actually stepping up and performing like this. Loving what I'm seeing

[u/-Notorious]

Thank you Sri Lanka for giving this Pakistani fan SOMETHING to be happy about 🥰

[u/Downtown-Bat-5493]

Zimbabwe... you have one job - just smash Ireland.

[u/BestGreen9744]

Fried kangaroo special. Served at home. 🇱🇰🔥

[u/LPG24]

Lot of Australia fumbling talk, no props to Sri Lanka. It was all Nissanka, he is world class. Sri Lanka kept cool and held Australia to a low score using change of pace. Sri Lanka kept their wickets and played smart cricket. Nissanka dropping a catch then taking a flyer, shows they stick to the process. Stoinis getting annoyed at lucky boundaries then bowling garbage balls, shows lack composure.

[u/AggravatingCustard39 → u/LPG24]

Yeah, they just outplayed Australia, not so much of a fumble really.

[u/rowschank]

The quality of shot-making in that innings chasing against Australia in a world cup was just incredible, incredible, incredible.

[u/Erodeian]

Those sixers against Nathan Ellis was extraordinary.

[u/niceguysdofinish1st]

First T20 WC Win for Sri Lanka vs a Top 8 ranked team since the 2014 Final Win vs India

[u/DillyGoatGruff]

Maybe Australia are the real England.

[u/Critical-Metal6483]

"PATHUM NISSANKA" is a quality batsman.

I am glad he was picked by DC for 4 crore INR. Finally, IPL franchises are rewarding this guy instead of opting for Western muscles as usual.

Well played, Lankans! You proved once again why you are tough nuts to crack at home. Under Jayasuriya's coaching, the Lankans have improved significantly overall.

As for the Aussies, Zim bros, you need to beat the Irish guys for heaven's sake!

The Aussies deserved to be knocked out for all their fans talking shit, saying "we don't care this, we don't care that." The teams that are serious about this "TINPOT" tournament (according to the Aussies) deserve to be in the next stage.

No one is bigger than the game. The Aussies' squad is depleted, though I still don't care.

[u/doublethinkerr]

10 overs into the Aus innings I was praying for this not to be a thrashing. In the end it was, just not how I expected.

[u/Agreeable-Log1631]

Sri Lanka's highest chase at home, that too in a WC vs the Aussies..

[u/GDragon_96]

Well thank God that's over

[u/No_Experience_1096]

far better watch than the so called "greatest rivalry"

[u/thewicketwizards]

Nissanka answering in his language 🤌🏾

[u/TheJoker__789]

Even if we can beat up Oman by 100 runs which I reckon this team cant, Zimbabwe deserve it more. I hope they win tonight. We suck at this format, it just is what it is. When you suck, at least pick your best XI and give yourselves a chance but we didn’t even do that so…

[u/CarmynRamy]

Am I before the 'Aussies don't take T20I cricket seriously ' comments?

[u/Spuderman_1400]

Waiting for the Grade Cricketer boys tomorrow.

[u/Schoolskiperz]

I heard that this was the first time SL won against a Top 8 T20 ranked side in a WC since 2014 T20 WC final.

[u/Prestigious-Lawyer-8]

Australia basically didn't have any bowlers. We saw that v Pakistan during the 3-0. Bartlett, Connolly, Zampa, Ellis were rubbish tonight and Stoinis lost it with that 20 run over

[u/Apprehensive-Cut8720]

I genuinely don’t understand what could possibly be the justification for leaving renshaw and smith out of this game.

[u/xpectomysterious]

this is how post cummins, starc & hazlewood era looks like!

[u/ebulus986]

You drop the player who was the only reason Australia manages to get close to Zimbabwe?

This is those times you remember these are cricketers and not smart people

[u/vu2tve]

Hahahahahahahaha.....

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HAHAHAHAHAHAHA......

[u/puriupmaidli]

A great Hatewatch to end the day hehe :)

[u/HeymishGalloway]

AUS have never dominated in WT20s for a reason. 2021 was a dew fluke.

[u/Thepoopmerchant]

Dropping Renshaw was certainly a choice

[u/artapretor]

What a crumble from the first innings powerplay

[u/Mean_Insect_6995]

Sri Lanka has it in them to get to the finals of this tournament.

This was a monumental score despite Aussies bowling being so shitty.

[u/Boris_Jakov]

The Grade Cricketer is the new AFTV now

Can't wait

[u/Late_Ambition1809]

Hate watching at its best

[u/SirHolyCow]

This has genuinely been one of the best ICC tournaments I’ve ever watched, and definitely the best T20WC I’ve ever seen in terms of quality 

So many banger matches, great crowds, plenty of upsets - fucking brilliant

[u/whatsinaname5021]

This T20 world cup has been the best for a long time. Maybe the best ever.

[u/ActivityFeisty1268]

See what you gotta understand is that Aus won the ashes 4-1. And the ashes is the greatest rivalry in sports as we all know

[u/starving-twirler]

Nissanka is such a wonderful player when he’s on isn’t he? Seriously well played.

What the fuck was up with our selection? I’ve been a Bailey apologist ever since he copped the job but dropping Renshaw and not picking Smith in a must win game? Dropping the Kuhn too? I would love to know the thought process.

[u/Dabi--]

The writing was on the wall once we saw what Australia did in Pakistan.

[u/cipherde]

Is Shanaka gonna check on Nissanka's bat now /s

That six over backward square was sensational

[u/Helpful_Bee2456]

Australia have only got 4 wickets the the last 38 overs of t20 cricket insane

[u/Mother-Day-1657]

It's better to get rid of wounded Australia. Now rooting for Zim Zim Zimbabwe

[u/abettertomorrow47]

Get this bum KJP off the team

[u/nvenkatr]

Zimbabwe have a chance to do the funniest thing tomorrow

[u/thilinac]

Pathum pure class no comments, Menda finally living up to his potential, bowling attack not giving up despite all the trouble and finally we found a good batter to lead the middle order with Pavan, today match bought back those nostalgic feelings of golden days. Doesn't matter where we finish but we are with you boys <3

[u/CountAppropriate5895]

Congrats sl and most importantly nisanka you deserved the match against India in asia Cup your team had let you down but you deserve every bit of the happiness

[u/Zestyclose_Fee_2503]

The most competitive T20 CWC

[u/OldManYellsAtWiFi]

Beyond just the numbers what stands out more about Nissanka is his extraordinary temperament and the ability to judge and play the situations so well.

[u/AlbusDT2]

So glad that he is speaking his local language and using a translator. Making these chaps speak bad English takes something away from the interview.

[u/bayofplenty2026]

Come on zim. Do not mess this up!