The defeat against Sri Lanka dragged Australia in front of the exit door of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Australia started the match well but could not carry the momentum, which eventually gifted them the second defeat in the campaign.
After the match, it was devastating Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh who said that their chances of survival in the race are completely in the laps of the almighty.
Australia out on a challenging effort vs Sri Lanka
Australia went to bat first at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and registered 181 in 20 overs. 181 was not a paltry total, but it was Pathum Nissanka, who claimed an unbeaten century, and the top-order Sri Lankan batters who made it easy to claim.
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Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, the openers of Australia, started off the innings on a positive note. Both of the batters scored a half-century each to add 104 runs for the opening stand.
The way Australia went off, a total over 200 was looking not too far away. As the innings progressed, Sri Lankan bowlers balanced the momentum. Dushan Hemantha took 3, and a brace for Dushmantha Chameera.
Pathum Nissanka’s sublime ton has put Australia on the brink of #T20WorldCup elimination.
Full report: https://t.co/X32rXkliNC pic.twitter.com/Swhxt3gWB9
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 16, 2026
Mitchell Marsh explained why they lost the match
Mitchell Marsh pointed out they might have fallen short by some more runs. He credited the Sri Lankan bowlers.
“I thought it was a competitive total. We probably left ourselves a few short after the start we had. Well played to SL; they outplayed us tonight. We know that at our best we can make big scores. We just lost our way towards the back end. SL bowled really well towards the back end,” Mitchell Marsh said.
Marsh was running out of words as they were standing in front of an unexpected situation. Before the tournament, they were considered a top contender to play the semifinals. In reality, the Australia cricket team can suffer a humiliating exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“We knew we were a few short. Not much else to say except that SL outplayed us. We’re in the lap of the gods now, I think. There are a lot of emotions in the room right now. Haven’t been at our best. Disappointed bunch at the moment,” Mitchell Marsh said in pure disappointment.
Points distribution in Group B
The Aussies are currently at the third spot on the points table of Group B with 2 points in 3 matches. They suffered a stunning loss against Zimbabwe as well. Sri Lanka, with 3 wins in 3 matches, remains on top of the ladder as an undefeated troop in the group stage.
Zimbabwe is placed in the second spot with 4 points. The upcoming match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on February 19 will decide the future of the Australia cricket team.
Read More: Watch: Pathum Nissanka takes a stunner to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in SL vs AUS T20 WC match
