In a brilliant display of power hitting at the Pallekele International Stadium on February 12, 2026, Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka organized a record-breaking attack against Oman their T20 World Cup 2026 Group B game. Shanaka, who came on in the latter stages of the match, turned the match into a personal highlight reel, ensuring the co-hosts got a big result. His performance was more than just rapid fire; was a statistical masterpiece that saw him rewrite the record books of Sri Lankan cricket and join elite company in the international arena.
T20 World Cup 2026: Dasun Shanaka breaks Mahela Jayawardene’s record and equals Rohit Sharma’s feat
The title moment of the afternoon came when Shanak struck fastest half century by a Sri Lankan in T20 World Cup history. Shanaka reached the 50-run milestone off just 20 balls, effectively obliterating the legendary player’s long-standing record. Mahela Jayawardenescored a 21-ball fifty against Kenya In 2007. The captain’s blitz was characterized by brutal efficiency as he targeted Oman’s deadly bowlers with a series of towering drives and powerful sweeps.
Shanaka also reached his fifty in 19 deliveries Rohit Sharmais the sign for Fastest fifties by captain in T20 World Cup date. Shanaka’s knock was stopped at 50 off exactly 20 balls (including 4 fours and 5 sixes) when he was caught at long off in the 19th over. The explosive knock not only propelled Sri Lanka to a total of 225/5, but also signaled a return to form for the captain, who faced criticism for a string of low scores leading into the tournament.
First innings: Sri Lanka posts 225/5 after a blitz by Kusal Mendis and Shanaka
Sri Lanka’s innings began with high intent after Oman won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of the early damp. However, the move backfired as the Lankan top order laid a solid foundation. while Pathum Nissanka (13) fell early, Where in Mandy He scored 61 off 45 balls and acted as the anchor towards perfection. was well supported by Pawan RathnayakePlaying a fearless cameo of 58 off 26 balls, he smashed eight boundaries and a six to keep the run rate close to 10.
And the final flourish belonged entirely to Shanaka. Joining Mendis in the 15th over, the captain added 63 runs off just 28 balls for the fourth wicket. of Oman Sufyan Mehmood and Jiten Ramanandi Mehmood bore the brunt of the attack and conceded 60 runs in four overs. Despite Oman’s hat-trick in the final, with Mendis run out and the other two falling, the damage had already been done. Sri Lanka’s total of 225/5 is their highest ever in the T20 World Cup 2026 and they face an almost impossible task as they chase their first win against the testing nation Oman.
Also READ: Virat Kohli has been left out of Ajinkya Rahane’s all-time right-hand T20 XI; Rohit Sharma scores
