Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Co-hosts Sri Lanka have not just qualified for the Super 8s — they have marched in like champions in waiting. With three dominant wins on the trot and all their remaining matches scheduled at home, Sri Lanka’s growing aura has sparked a serious question across the tournament: are they now a sure shot for the semi-finals?Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Their latest statement came in emphatic fashion against Australia in Kandy, where Sri Lanka chased down 182 with ease to win by eight wickets, underlining both their confidence and their mastery of familiar conditions. It followed equally commanding victories over Ireland and Oman, a perfect group stage campaign so far that has made their home venues look like an impregnable fortress.
Captain Dasun Shanaka did not hold back in his assessment of the performance against Australia.“One of the best performances in recent past. Happy about the way first innings went,” Shanaka said. “We were still very positive after losing Pathirana. Had the confidence. Knew about the wicket as well. Each and everyone showed high body language. Everybody wanted to contribute somehow.”Even injuries — with key bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana unavailable — have failed to derail Sri Lanka’s momentum.“Missing Hasaranga and now Pathirana is a big miss. Need to take the good things from here,” Shanaka added, reflecting a team drawing strength from adversity rather than excuses.Nissanka’s century signals Sri Lanka’s arrivalAt the heart of Sri Lanka’s charge has been the sensational form of Pathum Nissanka, whose unbeaten 100 off 52 balls — the first century of the tournament — stunned Australia and sent a message to every contender.“The wicket was pretty good today and I played my normal game. I am happy that I was able to get a hundred and get the team home,” Nissanka said after his match-winning knock.He highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka’s aggressive approach early in the chase.“We needed a good power play. We got a good partnership with Kusal Mendis. And we were able to continue from there and after that it was just continuing the inning and seeing it through.”Nissanka also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s advantage in home conditions.“Normally, we have a better wicket at Pallekele when we bat second. It’s a bit easier chasing,” he said.Fortress home and momentum behind themSri Lanka’s Super 8 campaign will also be played entirely at home — a factor that could prove decisive. Familiar pitches, passionate crowds, and conditions tailored to their strengths have created the perfect environment for a deep run.Shanaka made no secret of the team’s ambitions.“Wonderful to qualify for Super Eights. After many years making it to the next round. Hopefully we’ll make it to the semis as well. Must thank the crowd,” he said.With form, confidence, and home advantage aligning at the right moment, Sri Lanka now carry the look of a side peaking at exactly the right time.Their dominant run has already knocked Australia to the brink and sent a warning across the competition.
