The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Moves to Group B as 2021 champion, Australiastarted a campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. For Australia, it’s a fresh start after a turbulent build-up that included a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan and the loss of key pacers. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to be injured. Ireland, meanwhile, are in a ‘must win’ position to keep their tournament hopes alive after a competitive but ultimately unsuccessful chase against co-hosts Sri Lanka in their opening game.
AUS vs IRE, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details
- Date and Time: February 11 (Wednesday); 15:00 IST / 9:30 GMT / 20:30 AEDT
- Location: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
AUS vs IRE, Head to Head Record (T20I):
Matches played: 2 | Australia won: 2 | Ireland won: 0
Colombo Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium is a storied venue known for its winding tracks and relatively large boundaries. In the opening matches of this World Cup, the surface showed significant grip and spin, making it a battle of wits between spinners and hitters. While the new ball may offer some initial carry for the pacers, the pitch tends to slow down as the game progresses. With the match taking place in the second half of the day, there will be no dew factor which has historically favored the team first shot setting a target on a worn pitch. However, Australia’s recent struggles with spin could tempt them to chase if they back the power hitters to stay ahead of the required pace.
Team dynamics and key players
Australia: led Mitchell MarshFeaturing an inexperienced pace attack in the Aussies field Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis in the absence of veteran stars. The focus will be on their spin department, where Adam Zampa will be supported by Matthew Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly. This batting remains Australia’s biggest threat; Head of Travis and Glenn Maxwell Their adaptability will be the ultimate test to slow down the Sri Lankan conditions, though they are capable of disrupting any attack. Note that the big hit Tim David will not take part in this particular clash due to a minor injury.
Ireland: captain Paul Stirling leads a side that prides itself on being “giant killers”. Ireland showed great character against Sri Lanka Curtis Camphor and Harry Tector proving that they can handle high-quality spin. The bowling attack he led Mark Adair and Josh LittleThe Australian camp will look to exploit any early tournament nerves. Left arm spinner Matthew Humphreys A surface can have an “X factor” that will offer spin from a ball.
Teams:
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Kalitz, Curtis Camper, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young
AUS vs IRE, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Australia win the toss first
- Australia powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- Australia total score: 175-190
Case 2:
- Ireland take first in the toss
- Ireland powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
- Ireland total score: 145-160
Match Result: Australia will win the competition
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