The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 saw Sri Lanka deliver a crushing performance against Oman in Match 16 at Pallekele, Kandy, on February 12. Sri Lanka won by 105 runs, thanks to explosive batting and sharp bowling. Pavan Rathnayake stole the show with an outstanding performance, earning him Player of the Match.
For Oman, Mohammad Nadeem fought hard with an unbeaten 53 off 56 balls, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers were simply too good. They restricted Oman to 120/9 in their 20 overs.
Match Summary: SL vs OMN
Here is the complete match summary of this one-sided Group B encounter:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka Score | 225/5 (20 overs) |
| Oman Score | 120/9 (20 overs) |
| Match Result | Sri Lanka won by 105 runs |
| Best Batting (SL) | Kusal Mendis – 61 off 45 balls (7 fours) |
| Best Batting (Oman) | Mohammad Nadeem – 53* off 56 balls (3 fours, 1 six) |
| Best Bowling (SL) | Maheesh Theekshana – 2/11 in 4 overs (Econ: 2.75) |
| Best Bowling (Oman) | Jiten Ramanandi – 2/41 in 4 overs (Econ: 10.25) |
| Player of the Match | Pavan Rathnayake (SL) |
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision paid off as the batters put on a solid show. The team posted 225/5 in their 20 overs, setting a massive target of 226 for Oman.
Sri Lanka Innings: 225/5 in 20 Overs
Sri Lanka lost Kamil Mishara early, bowled by Jay Odedra for 8. Pathum Nissanka fell soon after for 13, leaving Sri Lanka at 42/2. Kusal Mendis then took charge with 61 off 45 balls, hitting 7 fours. Pavan Rathnayake played a brilliant knock of 60 off just 28 balls, smashing 8 fours and a six. His fifty came off just 24 balls.
Captain Dasun Shanaka added quick runs with 50 off 20 balls (2 fours, 5 sixes). Kamindu Mendis (19*) and Dunith Wellalage (6*) remained unbeaten. Jiten Ramanandi was the best Omani bowler with 2/41.
Oman Chase: 120/9 in 20 Overs
Oman’s chase started poorly. They lost Jatinder Singh on the first ball to Dushmantha Chameera. Aamir Kaleem fell next for 6, and captain Jatinder Singh made just 1. At the drinks break, Oman struggled at 36/3 in 5.5 overs.
Mohammad Nadeem fought hard with an unbeaten 53 off 56 balls. Wasim Ali contributed 27 off 20 balls before falling to Maheesh Theekshana. But wickets kept falling at the other end. Oman reached 50 in 8.1 overs and 100 in 13.6 overs. They finished at 120/9, falling short by 105 runs.
Maheesh Theekshana grabbed 2/11 in his 4 overs with an economy of just 2.75. Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, and Kamindu Mendis each picked up a wicket.
Key Highlight: Player of the Match – Pavan Rathnayake Shines
The Sri Lankan batter delivered a match-winning performance:
With the bat: 60 off 28 balls (8 fours, 1 six)
Strike Rate: 214.28
Rathnayake came in at number 4 and took the Omani bowlers apart. He reached his fifty in just 24 balls and set up Sri Lanka’s massive total. His innings included 8 boundaries and a maximum, showing great skill against all the Omani bowlers.
