Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Feb 12: Sri Lanka produced a dominant all-round display to thrash Oman by 105 runs in their Group B encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
After piling up an imposing 225/5 in 20 overs, the hosts followed it up with a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Oman to 120/9, sealing one of the most emphatic wins of the tournament so far.
Opting to field first, Oman skipper Jatinder Singh soon found his decision backfiring as Sri Lanka’s batters launched a relentless assault. The innings was powered by explosive half-centuries from Pavan Rathnayake (60 off 28), Kusal Mendis (61 off 45), and captain Dasun Shanaka (50 off just 20).
Sri Lanka began aggressively, though they lost Kamil Mishara early for 8, dismissed by Jay Odedra. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis steadied the innings before Sufyan Mehmood trapped Nissanka lbw for 13, leaving the hosts at 58/2 at the end of the powerplay.
From there, Rathnayake and Mendis took control. Rathnayake counterattacked fiercely, particularly against the spinners, racing to his maiden T20I fifty. A costly tenth over that yielded 17 runs, including two no-balls and a free-hit boundary, shifted the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour. Rathnayake eventually fell for 60, bowled by Jiten Ramanandi.
Mendis anchored the innings with a composed yet fluent knock of 61, ensuring continuity through the middle overs. The fireworks, however, came at the death. Shanaka unleashed a stunning late assault, hammering five sixes and two fours in a breathtaking 20-ball 50 — the fastest T20I half-century by a Sri Lankan. Kamindu Mendis added further impetus with three towering sixes as Sri Lanka surged past the 220-mark.
In response, Oman’s chase unraveled almost immediately. Aamir Kaleem (6) and Jatinder Singh (1) were dismissed within the first two overs, leaving the visitors on the back foot. Though Mohammad Nadeem battled hard for an unbeaten 53 off 56 balls, Oman struggled to form meaningful partnerships.
Wasim Ali contributed a brisk 27 off 20 deliveries, but regular breakthroughs from Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the pressure intact. Dushmantha Chameera was particularly effective, claiming 2 for 19 in his two overs, while Maheesh Theekshana (2/11) and Dunith Wellalage chipped in with key wickets. Sharp fielding, including crucial run-outs and catches, compounded Oman’s difficulties.
Oman eventually limped to 120/9, well short of the steep target.
The comprehensive victory reinforces Sri Lanka’s credentials in the group stage and signals strong momentum as they continue their T20 World Cup campaign.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 225/5 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 61, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Dasun Shanaka 50; Jiten Ramanandi 2/41)
Oman 120/9 in 20 overs (Mohammad Nadeem 53*, Wasim Ali 27; Maheesh Theekshana 2/11, Dushmantha Chameera 2/19)
Sri Lanka won by 105 runs.