The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo gears up for a crucial Group B encounter as Australia, one of cricket’s traditional powerhouses, begins its 2026 World Cup campaign against a determined Ireland. Australia enters the tournament in an uncharacteristic slump, winless in their last six T20Is, including heavy defeats to Pakistan. Their challenge is to shake off that form and adapt quickly to spin-friendly conditions. Ireland, though coming off a loss to Sri Lanka, has proven batters in form and will see this as a prime opportunity to exploit Australian vulnerabilities. With Australia’s historical dominance (2-0 head-to-head) clashing with their recent struggles, this match promises a fascinating contest between a wounded giant and a confident underdog.
Australia vs Ireland Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
AUS vs IRE, Group B T20 World Cup 2026 14th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 14th Match, Group B |
| Date | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |
| Time | 03:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
AUS vs IRE Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Australia
Australia’s form is alarming (L, L, L, L, L), with a 3-0 series loss to Pakistan highlighting struggles, particularly against spin. Their key strength remains a deep and powerful batting lineup featuring explosive players like Mitchell Marsh (SR 154.6), Glenn Maxwell, and Tim David (SR 198). The bowling, led by Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa (9 wickets each last 5 games), is experienced but missing key pacers. The psychological pressure is to break their losing streak and justify their favorite tag, despite the absence of star bowlers.
Ireland
Ireland’s form is mixed (L, W, W, L, W), having won the series against UAE but losing their World Cup opener. Their strength is a stable top order with the experience of Paul Stirling and the in-form Harry Tector. The bowling, featuring Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell (2 wickets each in the last game), is disciplined. Their realistic objective is to put Australia under early pressure, hope their spinners can replicate Pakistan’s success, and aim for a competitive total. The key challenge is overcoming a poor record at this venue and Australia’s batting depth.
AUS vs IRE Probable Playing XI
Australia Probable XI-
Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa.
Ireland Probable XI-
Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys.
AUS vs IRE Head-to-Head Record
| Total Match Played | 02 |
| AUS Won | 02 |
| IRE Won | 00 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
AUS vs IRE Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo offers a balanced but challenging pitch. It is not a high-scoring ground; no team has reached 200 in the last 15 T20Is here. The surface offers assistance to spin bowlers with turn and grip, while pacers may find some swing. Batsmen need to be patient. The average first innings score is only 142, indicating a bowling-friendly environment. Setting or chasing a total around 150-160 could be competitive.
AUS vs IRE Weather Report
The weather is expected to be sunny and clear with no rain threat. Temperatures will be warm, ranging from 22-28°C. The clear conditions mean dew might not be a major factor for this afternoon game, keeping the pitch consistent.
AUS vs IRE Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first. This is a strong trend at this venue, where teams bowling first have won 35 out of 60 T20Is, including 10 of the last 12. Knowing the target on a tricky, low-scoring pitch is a significant advantage.
AUS vs IRE Match Prediction
While Australia’s recent form is a concern, their sheer firepower and X-factor players like Glenn Maxwell (who excels in Sri Lanka) should prove too much for Ireland on this occasion. Ireland’s attack lacks the spin depth of Pakistan, which exploited Australia’s weakness. Australia also has a strong record at this venue (3 wins in last 3 games). Expect Ireland to put up a fight, but Australia’s batting depth and greater experience in high-pressure games should see them secure a winning start.
AUS vs IRE Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Josh Inglis, Lorcan Tucker
- Batters: Mitchell Marsh, Harry Tector, Travis Head
- All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Curtis Campher
- Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Barry McCarthy
Captain (C) Pick: Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Harry Tector, Glenn Maxwell.
