Sri Lanka on Monday booked a place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia in the tournament’s 30th match, chasing a record target with ease and denting Australia’s qualification hopes.

The Group B match was played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, where Australia, sent in to bat, were bowled out for 181 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka overhauled the 182-run target in just 18 overs for the loss of two wickets.

Australia began aggressively through Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, racing to 104 before a cluster of wickets slowed the innings.

Head struck 56 and Marsh 54, but Australia failed to capitalise on the strong start and fell around 30 runs short of a par total.

Josh Inglis made 27 and Glenn Maxwell 22, while the lower order offered little resistance.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Dushan Hemantha taking three and Dushmantha Chameera claiming two. Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana picked up one apiece.

In reply, Sri Lanka dominated from the outset. Opener Pathum Nissanka produced a match-winning century, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls. He was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who scored a fluent 51 from 38 deliveries.

Kusal Perera was dismissed for one, while Pavan Ratnayake finished unbeaten on 28.

Australia’s only success came through Marcus Stoinis, who took both wickets for 46 runs. Sri Lanka completed the chase at 182 for two in 18 overs to clinch an emphatic win.

The victory confirmed Sri Lanka’s qualification from Group B to the Super Eight stage.

Australia’s path to the next round now looks uncertain, following this defeat and an earlier loss to Zimbabwe.

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to field, a decision that proved decisive as his side delivered a clinical all-round performance.