After losing against Zimbabwe in their last game, Australia were invited to bat first by Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Balagolla. The side from down under started off brilliantly with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head building an opening 100 run stand in just nine overs. Australia failed to capitalise on their flying start as their middle order struggled against the Sri Lankan pace attack.

Glenn Maxwell came in to bat at a very crucial juncture in the game and looked in a good rhythm. Maxwell stabilized the innings and tried to push the ballers on the back foot and was pretty much successful in doing that. He took on Kamindu Mendes and was slowly getting into his rhythm before being dismissed with an unbelievable catch.

Watch the video here:  

On the first ball of the 17th over, Dushan Hemantha lured Maxwell for hitting a reverse sweep and the latter fell into his trap. Hemanthaโ€™s excellent field placement resulted in Maxwell being dismissed for 22 (15) as Pathum Nissanka refined gravity with a stunning catch. Nissanka reconciled his mistake after dropping Maxwellโ€™s catch in the previous over.

This wicket shifted the momentum back to Sri Lanka. Maxwell looked in fine shape and was raring to go, but his innings was cut short by Pathum Nissankaโ€™s extraordinary acrobatic move. Nissankaโ€™s catch reduced a significant amount of runs from Australiaโ€™s total as Maxwell walked off the pitch.

Also Read | Matheesha Pathirana Injured vs Australia: Sri Lanka Pacer Suffers Hamstring Blow in T20 World Cup 2026

Had Maxwell remained on the pitch, he would have caused a lot of damage for Sri Lanka and a 200 plus score was definitely on the cards. His ability to accelerate and go big against spin is what makes him so special, but Sri Lanka managed to get the better of him tonight. The home side will take a sign of relief after restricting Australia to 181 at the end of 20 overs and will look to chase it down.