Sri Lanka Post 225/5 vs Oman as Shanaka, Mendis and Rathnayake Power Batting Masterclass
Sri Lanka delivered a commanding batting display, posting a massive 225/5 against Oman in their Group B clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka lost early wickets but quickly regained control. Pathum Nissanka’s dismissal left them at 58/2 at the end of the powerplay, but what followed was a decisive counterattack.
Pavan Rathnayake shifted momentum dramatically with a blistering 60 off just 28 balls. His 24-ball half-century became the second-fastest by a Sri Lankan in T20 World Cup history, as he dominated spin and punished loose deliveries.
At the other end, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed 61 off 45 balls, rotating strike smartly before accelerating in the middle overs. His knock laid the perfect platform for a late assault.
Captain Dasun Shanaka then produced fireworks. Walking in during the death overs, Shanaka smashed a breathtaking 50 off 20 balls, including five sixes, registering the fastest T20I fifty by a Sri Lankan. His 19-ball fifty swung the match firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Even after Shanaka’s dismissal, Kamindu Mendis ensured the momentum continued, hammering three sixes in the final overs to push Sri Lanka past the 220 mark.
Oman bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Jiten Ramanandi picking up two wickets but conceding heavily.
With 225/5 on the board, Sri Lanka have placed Oman under immense scoreboard pressure in what is turning out to be a statement performance.
Our Thoughts
This was not just a big total — it was a message. Rathnayake’s fearless strokeplay, Mendis’ calculated stability and Shanaka’s explosive finish underline Sri Lanka’s batting depth. If their bowling unit backs this up, they will be serious contenders in the tournament.