Kandy, February 12, 2026: Sri Lanka delivered a commanding all-round performance to crush Oman by 105 runs in a group-stage encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, sending a strong message to their upcoming opponents.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a massive total of 225 runs, riding on dominant batting displays from Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, and captain Dasun Shanaka, all of whom registered impressive half-centuries. After losing both openers early in the powerplay, Sri Lanka’s middle order took control, punishing the Oman bowling attack and piling on 183 runs in just 14.5 overs following the fall of Pathum Nissanka’s wicket.
The innings was highlighted by a blistering knock from Pavan Rathnayake, who smashed 60 runs off just 28 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award. Speaking after the game, Rathnayake said the pitch suited his style of play and credited the team’s supportive environment for his performance. He added that while he enjoys both pace and spin bowling, he feels more comfortable against spin and is focused on helping Sri Lanka win their upcoming matches.
In response, Oman faced a daunting chase of 226, and their innings quickly unraveled under intense pressure from Sri Lanka’s bowlers. The Lankan attack struck early, dismissing three batters inside the powerplay. Although Mohammad Nadeem and Wasim Ali briefly revived hopes with a 42-run stand for the fourth wicket, the resistance was short-lived. Oman collapsed from 78 for 3 to 109 all out, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive victory.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, delivering a collective effort that left Oman struggling throughout the chase. Apart from a few brief partnerships, Oman failed to mount any significant challenge.
The emphatic win not only boosted Sri Lanka’s net run rate but also restored confidence after recent inconsistent performances. Notably, the victory came without star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, underlining the depth and balance of the Sri Lankan squad.
With momentum firmly on their side, Sri Lanka now turn their focus to a high-stakes clash against Australia, aiming to build on this dominant display and strengthen their position in the tournament.