Australia delivered a brutal statement of intent as they dismantled Sri Lanka for a paltry 58 in their final group match, cruising to a nine-wicket victory with ease.
Despite having already qualified for the next round, Sri Lanka produced a dismal batting display that left them exposed against a relentless Australian attack.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka never settled. Charles Lachmund struck early to remove both openers, and the innings quickly spiralled to 3 for 3. There was no recovery.
Will Bryom led the rout with a devastating five-wicket haul, exploiting bounce and movement to slice through the middle order. Kasay Barton provided effective support, and no Sri Lankan partnership lasted beyond 12 runs. Only two batters reached double figures as the innings ended in the 19th over.
Australia’s chase was a formality. Although opener Will Malajczuk fell early, Nitesh Samuel and Steven Hogan calmly stitched together an unbeaten 58-run stand to seal the win inside 12 overs.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh booked their place in the next round with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the USA. Skipper Md Azizul Hakim Tamim anchored the chase with a composed 64 after Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Iqbal Hossain Emon’s three wickets, restricted USA to 199.
Earlier, Adnit Jhamb’s unbeaten 68 had rescued USA from a collapse, but Bangladesh’s top order, powered by Zawad Abrar’s brisk 47, ensured a smooth chase with more than eight overs to spare.
The results wrapped up a decisive day in the group stage, highlighting Australia’s dominance and Bangladesh’s timely surge into the knockouts.