Pathum Nissanka becomes first centurion of T20 World Cup 2026, hammers 100 off 52 vs Australia in Pallekele

His sensational knock helped Sri Lanka chase down a record 182-run total against Mitchell Marsh's side, pushing Australia to the brink of elimination from the event.

Pathum Nissanka became the first centurion of T20 World Cup 2026. (PHOTO: AP)Pathum Nissanka became the first centurion of T20 World Cup 2026. (PHOTO: AP)
2 min readFeb 16, 2026 11:00 PM IST First published on: Feb 16, 2026 at 10:44 PM IST

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka became the first centurion of the T20 World Cup 2026 as he slammed a 52-ball 100 during the Group B clash against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday. His sensational knock helped Sri Lanka chase down a record 182-run total against Mitchell Marsh’s side, pushing Australia to the brink of elimination from the event.

FOLLOW | AUSTRALIA VS SRI LANKA T20 WORLD CUP 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

Nissanka’s ton is also the first instance of a century scored against Australia in the T20 World Cups. His sparkling knock contained 10 fours and five sixes. He stitched a 97-run partnership with Kusal Mendis for the third wicket and a 79-run stand in just 34 deliveries with Pavan Rathnayake, helping Sri Lanka overhaul the target in just 18 overs.

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