Colombo, 12 February (H.S.): In a Group B clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, Sri Lanka demolished Oman by 105 runs, powering to 225/5 before bundling them out for 120/9.

Oman captain Jatinder Singh won the toss and elected to field, but Sri Lanka unleashed relentless aggression from the outset.Openers set a brisk tempo despite early blows: Jay Odedra dismissed Kamil Mishara for 8, followed by Pathum Nissanka's 13 post-powerplay, leaving the score at 58/2.

Pavan Rathnayake then bludgeoned his maiden T20I fifty off 28 balls (60 runs) against spinners, falling to Jiten Ramanandi, while Kusal Mendis anchored with a measured 61 off 45 balls to stabilize and accelerate the innings.

Captain Dasun Shanaka erupted in the death overs, hammering an unprecedented Sri Lankan T20I record—his fastest fifty off just 20 balls with five sixes and two fours (50 runs)—as Kamindu Mendis added three sixes to propel the hosts to the tournament's highest total.

Ramanandi claimed 2/41 as Oman's best bowling effort.Chasing 226, Oman collapsed dramatically: Dushmantha Chameera struck first over with Jatinder (1) and Aamir Kaleem (6), triggering a procession of wickets. Mohammad Nadeem fought valiantly with an unbeaten 53 off 56 balls, supported briefly by Wasim Ali's 27 off 20, but the lower order crumbled.

Sri Lanka's bowlers maintained iron discipline: Maheesh Theekshana (2/11), Chameera (2/19), and Dunith Wellalage starred, aided by run-outs and sharp catches, restricting Oman relentlessly.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 225/5 (20 overs; Kusal Mendis 61, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Dasun Shanaka 50; Jiten Ramanandi 2/41). Oman 120/9 (20 overs; Mohammad Nadeem 53*, Wasim Ali 27; Maheesh Theekshana 2/11, Dushmantha Chameera 2/19). Sri Lanka won by 105 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar