Sri Lanka vs Oman — T20 World Cup 2026: Match Report, Highlights & Analysis
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Match: 16th Match, Group B, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka produced a sensational performance to crush Oman by 105 runs in what turned out to be one of the most dominant displays of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup so far.
The Result — Sri Lanka Overpowers Oman
Sri Lanka batted first and put up a massive total of 225/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to explosive contributions from their middle order. Oman never truly got into the contest, finishing on 120/9 in response. The co-hosts clinched a commanding 105-run victory.
Player of the Match: Pavan Rathnayake — for his quickfire 60 that helped Sri Lanka seize control of the game early.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Masterclass
From the moment Sri Lanka took guard, it was clear they meant business:
Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed 61, setting the stage for the late onslaught.
Pavan Rathnayake brought raw power, smashing 60 runs off just 28 balls to put pressure back on the Omani bowlers.
Captain Dasun Shanaka dazzled with the fastest T20I half-century by a Sri Lankan, reaching fifty in just 19 balls — an attack that sparked the late surge and helped Sri Lanka post one of the tournament’s biggest totals.
This collective effort ensured Sri Lanka finished with a staggering 225, an imposing challenge on any side at a World Cup.
Oman’s Response — Struggles Amid Fight
Chasing a daunting target, Oman’s innings was always going to be a tough task:
Mohammad Nadeem offered resistance with a gritty *53 — becoming one of the few bright spots in the line-up.
But wickets tumbled, and Oman never got the partnerships they needed to threaten Sri Lanka’s total.
Despite some promising moments in the early overs, Oman couldn’t sustain momentum and were bowled out comfortably short.
Bowling and Fielding — Sri Lanka’s Clinical Edge
Sri Lanka’s bowlers complemented the batting efforts superbly:
Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana kept things tight and picked up key wickets, never allowing Oman to settle.
The pressure in the middle and death overs saw Oman struggle with scoring and lose regular wickets.
This combination of big runs and incisive bowling made Sri Lanka’s win look even more comprehensive.
What This Means for Sri Lanka
This win moves Sri Lanka to the top of Group B standings, boosting their confidence and positioning them well for the Super 8s stage. The co-hosts are now firing on all cylinders after a strong opening campaign, and this performance against Oman underscored their title ambitions.
Final Thoughts
Today’s match was a statement from Sri Lanka — a blend of flair, power, and tactical execution. Oman showed character, especially through Nadeem’s innings, but the gulf in quality was too wide on the day.
For Sri Lanka fans, there’s plenty to be excited about as the tournament progresses. For neutral observers, this game reaffirmed why T20 cricket is thrilling: records tumbled, dynamic batting dominated, and each over produced new excitement.
Stay tuned for more action in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026!
