![\"Warning](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-128450864,imgsize-119118,width-400,resizemode-4\/sri-lanka-vs-australia.jpg\" "\\"Sri")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Co-hosts Sri Lanka have not just qualified for the Super 8s \u2014 they have marched in like champions in waiting. With three dominant wins on the trot and all their remaining matches scheduled at home, Sri Lanka\u2019s growing aura has sparked a serious question across the tournament: are they now a sure shot for the semi-finals?Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. <\/span>SUBSCRIBE NOW!<\/a>Their latest statement came in emphatic fashion against Australia in Kandy, where Sri Lanka chased down 182 with ease to win by eight wickets, underlining both their confidence and their mastery of familiar conditions. It followed equally commanding victories over Ireland and Oman, a perfect group stage campaign so far that has made their home venues look like an impregnable fortress. <\/p>\n T20 World Cup: India humiliate Pakistan again<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Captain Dasun Shanaka<\/a> did not hold back in his assessment of the performance against Australia.\u201cOne of the best performances in recent past. Happy about the way first innings went,\u201d Shanaka said. \u201cWe were still very positive after losing Pathirana. Had the confidence. Knew about the wicket as well. Each and everyone showed high body language. Everybody wanted to contribute somehow.\u201dEven injuries \u2014 with key bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga<\/a> and Matheesha Pathirana unavailable \u2014 have failed to derail Sri Lanka\u2019s momentum.\u201cMissing Hasaranga and now Pathirana is a big miss. Need to take the good things from here,\u201d Shanaka added, reflecting a team drawing strength from adversity rather than excuses.Nissanka\u2019s century signals Sri Lanka\u2019s arrival<\/span>At the heart of Sri Lanka\u2019s charge has been the sensational form of Pathum Nissanka<\/a>, whose unbeaten 100 off 52 balls \u2014 the first century of the tournament \u2014 stunned Australia and sent a message to every contender.\u201cThe wicket was pretty good today and I played my normal game. I am happy that I was able to get a hundred and get the team home,\u201d Nissanka said after his match-winning knock.He highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka\u2019s aggressive approach early in the chase.\u201cWe needed a good power play. We got a good partnership with Kusal Mendis. And we were able to continue from there and after that it was just continuing the inning and seeing it through.\u201dNissanka also acknowledged Sri Lanka\u2019s advantage in home conditions.\u201cNormally, we have a better wicket at Pallekele when we bat second. It\u2019s a bit easier chasing,\u201d he said.Fortress home and momentum behind them<\/span>Sri Lanka\u2019s Super 8 campaign will also be played entirely at home \u2014 a factor that could prove decisive. Familiar pitches, passionate crowds, and conditions tailored to their strengths have created the perfect environment for a deep run.Shanaka made no secret of the team\u2019s ambitions.\u201cWonderful to qualify for Super Eights. After many years making it to the next round. Hopefully we\u2019ll make it to the semis as well. Must thank the crowd,\u201d he said.With form, confidence, and home advantage aligning at the right moment, Sri Lanka now carry the look of a side peaking at exactly the right time.Their dominant run has already knocked Australia to the brink and sent a warning across the competition.<\/div>\n\n