AUS vs SL: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Fixture: Australia vs Sri Lanka
Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group B
Match: 30th Match, Group B
Date & Time: 16 February 2026, 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Match Preview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B is coming to a crucial stage as Australia will play hosts Sri Lanka in Kandy. Australia’s campaign has been mixed. They started with a strong win against Ireland but suffered a shock defeat against Zimbabwe which dashed their hopes of making it to the Super Eights. This is a must-win match for Australia and they know it.

The selectors have added Steve Smith to the squad to replace injured pacer Josh Hazlewood. Captain Mitchell Marsh will have to lead a strong batting and bowling effort if Australia are to survive the tournament. The pressure is on Australia after the Zimbabwe defeat.

Sri Lanka have been strong in Group B and have won their last two matches, including an impressive 105-run win against Oman. Their batting is in good form and they are taking advantage of familiar home conditions and the support of a large crowd. Sri Lanka’s spinners and seam options have made a significant impact to complement a batting lineup that can impose a big victory.

This match is important for both sides. Australia needs a victory to retain their place in the Super Eights. Sri Lanka can consolidate their position with another strong performance in front of their home fans.

AUS vs SL – Head to Head (T20Is)

Format	Matches	AUS Won	SL Won	Tied	NR
T20Is	27	17	10	0	0

Note: Prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash, Australia and Sri Lanka have faced each other 27 times in T20 International matches. Australia has won 17 of those matches, while Sri Lanka has won 10 matches. Their most recent meeting was in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12, where Australia won by 7 wickets.

AUS vs SL – Squad List

No.	Australia Player	Role	Sri Lanka Player	Role
1	Mitchell Marsh (c)	Allrounder	Dasun Shanaka (c)	Allrounder
2	Xavier Bartlett	Bowler	Charith Asalanka	Batting allrounder
3	Cooper Connolly	Batting allrounder	Dushmantha Chameera	Bowler
4	Tim David	Middle-order batter	Dushan Hemantha	Allrounder
5	Ben Dwarshuis	Bowler	Janith Liyanage	Batting allrounder
6	Nathan Ellis	Bowler	Kamindu Mendis	Allrounder
7	Cameron Green	Batting allrounder	Kusal Mendis	Wicketkeeper batter
8	Travis Head	Middle-order batter	Kamil Mishara	Opening batter
9	Josh Inglis	Wicketkeeper batter	Pathum Nissanka	Top-order batter
10	Matthew Kuhnemann	Bowler	Matheesha Pathirana	Bowler
11	Glenn Maxwell	Batting allrounder	Kusal Perera	Wicketkeeper batter
12	Matt Renshaw	Batter	Pramod Madushan	Bowler
13	Steven Smith	Top-order batter	Pavan Rathnayake	Top-order batter
14	Marcus Stoinis	Batting allrounder	Maheesh Theekshana	Bowler
15	Adam Zampa	Bowler	Dunith Wellalage	Bowler

Also Read: NZ vs CAN: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Pitch Report – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Factor	Details
Stadium	Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
Pitch Nature	Balanced batting surface with slight assistance to spin
Batting Support	Runs available for defined stroke play
New Ball Behaviour	Seamers can benefit from carry early
Spin Factor	Spinners effective in middle overs
Match Pattern	Competitive totals likely
Average T20 Score Range	Around 160–180+
Toss Strategy	Winning toss may prefer batting first
Safe / Defending Score	175+ often competitive

Team Analysis

Australia

Australia have strong batting options like Travis Head and Josh Inglis and Tim David and Cameron Green who are capable of scoring quickly in any situation. Their bowling variety includes Adam Zampa providing spin control and Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett providing pace options. Marcus Stoinis adds valuable all-round depth.

Their concern is the recent defeat against Zimbabwe which has put serious pressure on their consistency and team selection. Under intense qualification pressure they must find a rhythm between bat and ball quickly.

Key players to watch out for are Mitchell Marsh who is the captain and should contribute with the bat in the middle order. Travis Head is an aggressive run maker who can destroy the bowling attack in the Powerplay. Adam Zampa provides spin control in the crucial middle overs. Cameron Green has the ability to shape an all-round match with bat and ball.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have a confident batting line-up led by Dasun Shanaka, Pawan Rathnayake and Kusal Mendis, who have been in excellent form in recent times. Their bowling unit is effective, with Mahish Thiksha providing spin control and Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana providing a real pace threat. Home advantage in familiar conditions gives them added confidence.

Their weakness in the middle overs is a concern if they do not get off to a good start against Australia’s potent batting. They will have to maintain a consistent top-order start to create a platform for their finishers.

Key players will include Dasun Shanaka who leads the crucial final overs and is a potent hitter. Pawan Rathnayake is an in-form batsman who is capable of scoring big runs quickly. Mahish Thiksha is a leading spinner with strong economy and wicket-taking ability. Dushmantha Chameera is an exciting new-ball bowler who can take wickets early.

Toss Prediction

Good batting conditions are expected at Pallekele, as fog in the light could have a significant impact on the second innings. The captain may choose to bat first and set a challenging score. Bowling second when there is fog on the ball makes it difficult to take catches and gives an advantage to the chasing team. Both captains will consider this carefully before making a decision.

Cricbites Match Prediction

Team	Winning Chance (%)	Reason
Sri Lanka	55%	Confidence from unbeaten group run and home advantage
Australia	45%	Strong squad but under pressure after shock loss

Cricbites Prediction: Sri Lanka are slightly ahead due to form and pace, while Australia will need their batting and bowling units to perform strongly to secure a vital win.

Final Thoughts

The Group B match between Australia and Sri Lanka will be an exciting one with real knockout results in the World Cup. Australia will have to win or go home. Sri Lanka will want to show their mettle on home soil and prove that they are real contenders to reach the Super Eights.

Expect an aggressive opening over from Travis Head against Sri Lanka’s new ball bowlers. Expect a tactical spin battle in the middle overs where both Zampa and Thixen will cause problems. Expect tactical death over play that will decide which team will keep the momentum going.

Key performances from the top order batsmen and strike bowlers will decide the outcome in Kandy tonight.

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Disclaimer

This preview and prediction is based on verified match information and recent form and player trends and pitch expectations. Cricket results may vary due to toss decisions, weather and individual talent on the day of the match.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the captain of Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

The captain of Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Mitchell Marsh.

Q2. Who is the captain of Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

The captain of Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Dasun Shanaka. He leads the Sri Lankan team in their home matches.

Q3. When and at what time will AUS vs SL be played?

Australia will face Sri Lanka on 16 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST.

Q4. Where is the match being played?

The AUS vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.

Q5. What is the match number of AUS vs SL in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

This match is the 30th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the Group B stage.