Led by a historic, 19-ball half-century from captain Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka posted a staggering 225/5; the highest total of the 2026 T20 World Cup so far. While Oman was never truly in the chase, the night ended with a sentimental milestone as 43-year-old Mohammad Nadeem became the oldest player in history to score a T20 World Cup fifty.
Despite losing early wickets in the PowerPlay, Sri Lanka’s middle order operated at a different frequency. The foundation laid by Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake provided the launchpad for a late-innings explosion.
Shanaka show: Dasun Shanaka rewrote the history books, reaching his 50 in just 19 balls, breaking his own Sri Lankan record (20 balls vs India, 2023). He smoked five sixes in a whirlwind cameo that left the Oman bowlers shell-shocked.
Rathnayake’s rise: Pavan Rathnayake proved he belongs on the big stage, punishing the attack for a 28-ball 60.
Death over carnage: Sri Lanka plundered 79 runs in the final five overs, the highest death-over yield of the tournament.
With Wanindu Hasaranga officially ruled out of the tournament; a massive blow to Sri Lanka's title aspirations, the pressure was on Maheesh Theekshana to lead the spin department. He responded with a clinical performance. Theekshana finished with figures of 2-11 from his four overs, stifling any attempt at an Oman counter-attack.
In a one-sided affair, Oman's Mohammad Nadeem provided a silver lining. His unbeaten 53 from 56 balls was a lesson in longevity, making him the oldest player (43) to score a half-century at a Men’s T20 World Cup. He was one of only two Oman batters to reach double figures, anchoring an innings that was more about survival than a chase.
