Australia captain Mitchell Marsh conceded his side were outplayed after their defeat to Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but insisted qualification for the Super 8 remains mathematically possible.

Australia raced to 97 for no loss after eight overs and finished on 181, but Marsh said the failure to capitalise on the strong start proved costly.

“We had a good platform but just weren’t able to execute towards the back end,” Marsh said at the post-match press conference. “Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were a few short after the start and probably knew that going into the second innings.”

Asked about Australia’s struggles against spin, Marsh rejected suggestions that it was a technical issue.

“That full-strength batting line-up has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was probably more just execution tonight,” he said.

Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, powered by a century from Pathum Nissanka. Marsh was full of praise for the Sri Lankan opener.

“You take your hat off to someone when they score 100 off 50 balls in a World Cup match in a tight run chase at this stage of our group,” he said. “It was an incredible innings. We didn’t have many answers for him tonight.”

Australia’s campaign has been complicated by consecutive defeats, including an earlier loss to Zimbabwe. However, Marsh maintained that the team’s hopes are not completely over.

“I think it is still technically possible. There’s still a chance,” he said, adding later: “Right now it’s out of our control, so we’ll wait and see.”

Australia will closely monitor the Ireland-Zimbabwe fixture, which could determine their fate.

“I dare say we’ll all be watching it,” Marsh said. “Whether together or not, we’ll wait and see. The luck of the Irish.”

Marsh also dismissed suggestions that dew significantly altered conditions during Sri Lanka’s chase.

“I don’t think there was much dew. Partnerships are incredibly important in these conditions. Outside of our opening partnership, we just weren’t able to form another strong one,” he said.

Despite a visible scare while fielding, Marsh confirmed he is fit.

“I was a little bit sore, but I’m absolutely fine,” he said.

Australia now face a tense wait as their Super 8 hopes hinge on other results, while Sri Lanka qualified with a commanding performance in front of a packed Pallekele crowd. (Newswire)

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