WATCH: Pathum Nissanka STUNS Glenn Maxwell with brilliant catch in Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 clash
T20 World Cup 2026: Australia began their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Sri Lanka on a high with a 104 runs partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. However, Sri Lanka staged a dramatic fightback, but it was Pathum Nissanka’s breathtaking catch that grabbed the headlines.
Nissanka stunned everyone with his catch to dismiss Maxwell
Nissanka stunned everyone with his impressive catch in the 17th over to dismiss Glenn Maxwell. With Australia looking to post a total well over 200, Nissanka’s athletic brilliance shifted the momentum towards Sri Lanka.
The moment came on the very first ball of the 17th over, when Dushan Hemantha delivered the ball outside off, tempting Maxwell into his signature reverse sweep. The shot came off the bat flat and hard toward backward point, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed destined for the boundary.
But Pathum Nissanka had other plans. Positioned at backward point, the Sri Lankan opener stretched high above his head to take the catch cleanly. Even as he lost his balance and tumbled to the turf, he displayed remarkable control, holding onto the ball firmly.
CATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT IS HERE…!!!
It's Pathum Nissanka. pic.twitter.com/uSLNZNnlhs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 16, 2026
It was a stylish redemption. Earlier in the innings, Nissanka had dropped a simpler chance to remove Maxwell, but this time he clutched one of the most difficult opportunities of the match. Maxwell’s dismissal proved to be a crucial turning point in the game.
Also, read: Pathum Nissanka STARS with unbeaten century as Sri Lanka crush Australia to enter Super Eights
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head provided an impressive start to Australia, with a 104-runs stand, but Sri Lanka’s spin duo turned the momentum as four wickets fell for just six runs. Australia managed to post a target of 181, which was easily chased by the Sri Lanka, thanks to an impactful knock from Pathum Nissanka and a crucial 97-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, guiding the team to an eight-wicket victory.