2 min readUpdated: Feb 16, 2026 11:00 PM IST Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka became the first centurion of the T20 World Cup 2026 as he slammed a 52-ball 100 during the Group B clash against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday. His sensational knock helped Sri Lanka chase down a record 182-run total against Mitchell Marsh’s side, pushing Australia to the brink of elimination from the event. FOLLOW | AUSTRALIA VS SRI LANKA T20 WORLD CUP 2026 HIGHLIGHTS Nissanka’s ton is also the first instance of a century scored against Australia in the T20 World Cups. His sparkling knock contained 10 fours and five sixes. He stitched a 97-run partnership with Kusal Mendis for the third wicket and a 79-run stand in just 34 deliveries with Pavan Rathnayake, helping Sri Lanka overhaul the target in just 18 overs. 182 is also the highest total chased by Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cups, improving their previous record of 172 chase against Bangladesh in 2021. It is also the highest total chased …