Sri Lanka produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Oman by a massive 105-run margin in their Group B clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Powered by half-centuries from Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, and captain Dasun Shanaka, the hosts stamped their authority with both bat and ball.
Sri Lanka’s top order laid a solid foundation before accelerating in the middle and death overs. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a fluent fifty, while young Pavan Rathnayake impressed with an aggressive knock that kept the scoreboard ticking. Skipper Dasun Shanaka then provided the finishing flourish, smashing a captain’s knock to push Sri Lanka to a daunting total.
In reply, Oman struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and found it difficult to counter Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Regular wickets halted their momentum, and despite brief resistance from the middle order, Oman could only manage 120 for 9 in their allotted overs, falling well short of the target.
The comprehensive victory not only boosted Sri Lanka’s net run rate but also strengthened their position in the Group B standings. With key players firing and the bowling unit delivering under pressure, Sri Lanka sent a strong message to the rest of the competition with this emphatic win at Pallekele.
