PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka registered a comprehensive 105-run victory over Oman in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, securing their second consecutive win of the tournament.
Chasing a daunting target of 226 runs, Oman were restricted to 120-9 in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Nadeem top-scored with 53 off 56 balls, striking three fours and a six, while Wasim Ali contributed 27 off 20 deliveries, including three sixes. The rest of the batting line-up failed to build substantial partnerships.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana, who claimed two wickets each. Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha and Kamindu Mendis chipped in with one wicket apiece to ensure Oman never recovered in the chase.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 225-5 in 20 overs, courtesy of half-centuries from Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and skipper Dasun Shanaka.
The hosts experienced an early setback, losing Pathum Nissanka (13) and Kamil Mishara (8) with the score at 42-2 in 5.1 overs. Rathnayake and Kusal Mendis then stabilised the innings with a 94-run partnership, during which Rathnayake brought up his maiden T20 International fifty.
Rathnayake was dismissed for a brisk 60 off 28 balls, featuring eight fours and a six. Shanaka then joined Kusal Mendis and accelerated the scoring with a 63-run stand, taking Sri Lanka past the 150-run mark.
Shanaka smashed 50 off just 20 deliveries, hitting two fours and five sixes, before being dismissed. Kusal Mendis was run out for 61 off 45 balls, including seven boundaries, as Sri Lanka reached 200-5 in 18.2 overs.
Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 19 off seven balls, striking one four and two sixes, while Wellalage added six runs to propel Sri Lanka to a formidable total.
The emphatic victory strengthened Sri Lanka’s position in the group standings as they continued their dominant run in the tournament.