Sri Lanka’s batting star Pathum Nissanka lit up the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a sensational century that not only powered his team to a memorable win over Australia but also left the cricketing world in awe. Among the many reactions that flooded social media, England pacer Jofra Archer’s short but powerful response — “What a knock” — perfectly captured the mood of fans and players alike.

Chasing a challenging target of 182, Sri Lanka needed someone to take charge after an early setback. Nissanka stepped up in style. The right-hander played one of the finest T20 innings of his career, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 52 deliveries. His knock blended elegance with aggression, featuring crisp drives, fearless pulls, and perfectly placed boundaries that kept the scoreboard racing.

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The electric crowd at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed a masterclass as Nissanka dismantled Australia’s bowling attack with remarkable composure. He paced the innings brilliantly — steady at the start, explosive in the middle overs, and unstoppable towards the finish. His hundred was not just match-winning but historic, marking the first century scored against Australia in a T20 World Cup match.

Earlier in the evening, Australia looked firmly in control thanks to attacking half-centuries from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Their strong opening partnership gave the impression that the Aussies would post a total well beyond reach. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers clawed back in the middle overs, restricting further damage and keeping the chase within sight.

Nissanka then took center stage. Partnering with Kusal Mendis, he built a crucial partnership that shifted momentum decisively in Sri Lanka’s favor. Once set, he showed no mercy, dispatching bowlers to all parts of the ground and finishing the match with authority as Sri Lanka sealed victory with overs to spare.

The win significantly boosted Sri Lanka’s tournament campaign while pushing Australia closer to elimination. More importantly, it cemented Nissanka’s knock as one of the standout performances of the tournament — an innings defined by skill, temperament, and fearless intent. With this win, Australia is knocked out of the tournament with Zimbabwe vs Ireland match getting washed out due to rain. 

Cricket often produces special moments, but performances like this become instant classics. And when a fast bowler known for his competitive edge pauses to admire an opponent’s brilliance, you know something extraordinary has just happened.