Champions of 2021, Australiaagainst co-owners, Sri LankaIn the main match of group B T20 World Cup 2026. As Sri Lanka cruise through their opening matches, Australia find themselves in unusual territory fighting for survival after a shock defeat to Zimbabwe.
The story of this match is the story of two very different momentums. Sri Lanka enter this competition as the form team of the group. Under the lights in Pallekele, he consistently led the top ranks Where in Mandy and Pathum Nissankait looked domineering. Their bowling attack also suited the home conditions perfectly Mahesh Theekshana proves to be a nightmare for batters on the power play.
Australia, on the other hand, are a team under siege. Kimi injured the main staff Mitchell Marsh (groin), they had trouble finding a rhythm. A loss here would not mathematically end their journey, but leave them at the mercy of other outcomes. The spotlight will turn on Head of Travis and Glenn Maxwell Providing them with the explosive starts they are known for while a possible Marsh return could provide the spark of leadership they so desperately need.
AUS vs SL, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details
- Date and Time: February 16; 07:00 IST / 1:30 GMT
- Location: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
AUS vs SL Head to Head Record (T20Is)
Matches played: 26 | Australia won: 15 | Sri Lanka won: 10 | Closed/No results: 1
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The surface is initially expected to be firm and dry, offering good bearing. As seen in Sri Lanka’s massive game against Oman earlier this month, the batting could use a new ball. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to grip. With deceptive pace-off deliveries, spinners and pacers (like Matheesha Pathirana) will be significantly more dangerous in the second half of each innings. Statistically, batting first teams have a slight advantage here, and chasing becomes a sticky affair as the ball ages and the surface slows.
Groups
Australia: Josh Inglis (w), Travis Head (c), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhneman, Mitchell Marsh, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Madush
AUS vs SL, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Australia win the toss first
- Australia powerplay score: 40-50
- Australia total score: 150-160
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka bat first in the toss
- Sri Lanka powerplay score: 45-55
- Sri Lanka Total Score: 165-175
Match result: The team to bat first to win the competition.
