Sri Lanka Crush Oman by 105 Runs; Shanaka Praises Batting Depth, Backs Hemantha to Fill Hasaranga Void
Sri Lanka delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Oman by 105 runs in their Group B fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Captain Dasun Shanaka expressed satisfaction with the team’s clinical display, particularly with the bat, while acknowledging the challenge of coping without premier all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 225 for 5, powered by half-centuries from Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and Shanaka himself. Oman, in response, were restricted to 120 for 9 as Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained control throughout the chase.
The match began with Sri Lanka opting to bat, looking to capitalise on familiar home conditions at Pallekele. The innings gathered early momentum through Pavan Rathnayake, who struck an aggressive 60 to lay a strong foundation in the powerplay overs.
Kusal Mendis then anchored the innings with a composed 61, ensuring stability through the middle overs. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when required allowed Sri Lanka to maintain a healthy scoring rate.
The defining moment came in the final overs when captain Dasun Shanaka unleashed an explosive counterattack. Shanaka smashed 50 off just 20 deliveries, marking the fastest T20I fifty by a Sri Lankan batter. His late surge propelled Sri Lanka past the 220 mark, setting Oman a daunting target of 226.
In reply, Oman struggled against disciplined bowling from Sri Lanka’s pace-spin combination. Dushmantha Chameera struck early to remove key batters, while Maheesh Theekshana tightened the screws in the middle overs with controlled spin bowling. Oman never found sustained partnerships and were eventually limited to 120 for 9, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive 105-run victory.
Speaking after the match, captain Dasun Shanaka praised his side’s improved batting consistency.
“The confidence with the batting especially. That was a concern in the recent past, so I’m really happy about the way Kusal Mendis went on in the last two games. Probably that should be the role that he must do in the next game as well. Each batter chipping in at the right time is important as well,” Shanaka said.
He also addressed the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced T20 match-winners.
“It’s very hard to replace someone like Wanindu because he is a champion bowler. But of course Dushan Hemantha; he’s been in the side for a while. In the absence of Wanindu, he played a few games here and there. So the confidence is there, but straightaway coming to the game, it will be a bit harder. I’m sure that he will come good in the next game,” Shanaka added.
The captain’s remarks reflected both realism and optimism as Sri Lanka navigates the tournament without one of its premier all-rounders.
Sri Lanka has a proud history in T20 cricket, having won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2014 and consistently competing at global events. Over the years, players such as Wanindu Hasaranga have played pivotal roles in shaping Sri Lanka’s limited-overs success.
Hasaranga, known for his wicket-taking leg-spin and lower-order hitting, has often been a match-winner in ICC tournaments. His absence creates a significant gap in both bowling depth and tactical flexibility.
The ongoing T20 World Cup represents a crucial opportunity for Sri Lanka to reassert itself among the elite teams. Group-stage matches like this one against Oman are critical for building net run rate and momentum.
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, located in Kandy, has historically offered balanced conditions, supporting both stroke play and disciplined bowling. Sri Lanka’s ability to exploit home familiarity was evident in this dominant display.
Why It Matters
The 105-run win does more than secure two points in Group B. It significantly boosts Sri Lanka’s net run rate, which could prove decisive in tight qualification scenarios.
The performance also highlights the team’s evolving batting depth. In recent months, inconsistency at the top and middle order had been a concern. However, contributions from Rathnayake, Mendis and Shanaka indicate a more balanced approach, blending stability with power hitting.
Shanaka’s fastest T20I fifty for Sri Lanka adds a psychological edge, showcasing the side’s finishing ability. In modern T20 cricket, explosive late-order hitting can shift tournament momentum.
From a bowling perspective, the disciplined spells from Chameera and Theekshana suggest that Sri Lanka can still deliver under pressure, even without Hasaranga. The ability of Dushan Hemantha and others to step into larger roles will be closely watched in upcoming fixtures.
For Oman, the defeat underscores the gulf in experience at this level. However, competing against established teams provides valuable exposure and learning opportunities.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory over Oman reflects a team gaining confidence at the right time in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With a strong batting display, disciplined bowling and clear leadership from Dasun Shanaka, the side appears determined to build momentum.
While Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence remains a challenge, Sri Lanka’s depth and adaptability were on display at Pallekele. As the tournament progresses, consistency and squad resilience will determine whether this performance becomes a turning point in their campaign.
