We are now in the lap of the Gods, says Mitchell Marsh as Australia eyes humiliating exit from the World Cup

The defeat against Sri Lanka dragged Australia to the exit of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Australia started the match well but could not maintain the momentum which ultimately handed them their second defeat of the campaign.

Post-match, it was devastating for Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh who said their chances of survival in the race lie squarely in the lap of the almighty.

Australia out for a challenging effort against Sri Lanka

Australia batted first at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and registered 181 in 20 overs. 181 was not a shabby total, but it was Pathum Nissanka, who claimed an unbeaten century, and the top-class Sri Lankan batsmen who made it easy to claim.

Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, Australia’s openers, started the innings on a positive note. Both batters scored half-centuries each and added 104 runs for the opening stand.

As Australia departed, a total of more than 200 looked not far away. As the innings progressed, Sri Lankan bowlers balanced the momentum. Dushan Hemantha took 3, and a brace for Dushmantha Chameera.

Pathum Nissanka’s sublime performance has brought Australia to the brink of collapse #T20World Cup elimination.

Full report: https://t.co/X32rXkliNC pic.twitter.com/Swhxt3gWB9

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 16, 2026

Mitchell Marsh explained why they lost the match

Mitchell Marsh pointed out that they might have been a few points short. He credited the Sri Lankan bowlers.

“I thought it was a competitive total. We probably fell a few short after the start we had. Played well against SL; they outscored us tonight. We know we can make big scores at our best. We just lost our way towards the back end. SL bowled really well towards the back end,” said Mitchell Marsh.

Marsh was running out of words as they faced an unexpected situation. Before the tournament, they were considered one of the top contenders to play the semi-finals. In reality, the Australian cricket team could suffer a humiliating exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“We knew we were a few short. There’s not much to say other than SL has outmatched us. We’re in the lap of the gods now, I think. There’s a lot of emotions in the room at the moment. We haven’t been at our best. Disappointed bunch at the moment,” said Mitchell Marsh in pure disappointment.

Distribution of points in Group B

The Aussies currently sit third on the Group B points table with 2 points from 3 matches. They also suffered a stunning defeat against Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka remain at the top of the ladder as an undefeated force in the group stages with three wins in three matches.

Zimbabwe is in second place with 4 points. The upcoming match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on February 19 will decide the future of the Australian cricket team.

Read more: Watch: Pathum Nissanka takes a stunner to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in SL vs AUS T20 WC match