The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy braces for a high-stakes Group B showdown where Australia’s tournament survival hangs by a thread. The cricketing world is still reeling from the biggest upset of the tournament, Zimbabwe’s stunning 23-run defeat of the five-time World Cup champions. That result has left Australia in a precarious position: another loss here and their Super 8 aspirations are effectively over. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is flying high. Back-to-back dominant victories over Ireland and Oman have them perched atop the group table, and a win here would confirm their place in the next round. The mathematics are brutal for Australia, unforgiving for Sri Lanka. History heavily favors the visitors Australia have won 12 of their last 14 encounters with Sri Lanka. But crucially, both losses came on Sri Lankan soil. On a flat Pallekele track under lights, with a passionate home crowd behind them, the Lankans sense blood.
Australia vs Sri Lanka Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
AUS vs SL, Group B T20 World Cup 2026 30th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 30th Match, Group B |
| Date | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Time | 07:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
AUS vs SL Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Australia
Australia’s form is alarming (L, W, L, L, L), with the Zimbabwe loss exposing vulnerabilities. Their key strength remains explosive batting depth. Matt Renshaw’s 65 off 44 in the last game was a bright spot. Tim David (strike rate 195.44 in last 12 months) and Marcus Stoinis provide late-order firepower. The bowling unit, led by Adam Zampa, is world-class but was uncharacteristically expensive against Zimbabwe. The psychological edge is desperation, they know another loss ends their campaign.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are in sublime touch (W, W, L, L, L), with two dominant tournament wins. Their key strength is a red-hot top order. Kusal Mendis has amassed 117 runs in two matches, with Pavan Rathnayake (60 off 28) and captain Dasun Shanaka (50 off 20) also firing. The bowling attack is spin-dominant and in form, with Maheesh Theekshana leading with 5 wickets. Their realistic objective is to exploit Australia’s vulnerable confidence and secure Super 8 qualification.
AUS vs SL Probable Playing XI
Australia Probable XI-
Travis Head (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann.
Sri Lanka Probable XI-
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.
AUS vs SL Head-to-Head Record (Last 14 Matches)
| Total Match Played | 14 |
| AUS Won | 12 |
| SL Won | 02 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
AUS vs SL Pitch Report
The Pallekele pitch is a batting-friendly surface with large boundaries but a lightning-fast outfield. The wicket is flat, offering good pace and bounce. Pacers find limited assistance, while spinners enjoy significant grip and turn as the game progresses. The average first-innings score is 175, with teams batting first targeting 200 to feel secure. The team batting second has a strong advantage in evening games.
AUS vs SL Weather Report
Conditions will be overcast with temperatures around 20°C at start. Humidity will be high at 73%, making batting conditions challenging. Cloud cover may assist swing bowlers early. No significant rain is expected.
AUS vs SL Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first. In the last 12 months, teams have found it challenging to defend totals at Pallekele, with evening conditions making bowling difficult in the second innings. The chasing team has won 6 of the last 10 games here.
AUS vs SL Match Prediction
This is the most dangerous version of Australia; a wounded giant facing elimination. History tells us they respond in these moments.
Australia’s case: Their 12-2 record is not coincidence. They possess batters who can take the game away in six-over bursts. Travis Head is due; he’s missed out in both games. Tim David’s strike rate of 195 signals a batter who can single-handedly win a match in the death overs. Adam Zampa on a spinning Pallekele track is a genuine match-winner. They also have the psychological advantage of knowing they’ve dominated this opponent for years.
Sri Lanka’s case: They are in red-hot form, with multiple batters contributing. Kusal Mendis is in the form of his life. Their spinners, led by Theekshana, are perfectly suited to these conditions. Crucially, both their victories over Australia came at home; they know the blueprint exists.
The deciding factor will be Australia’s response to adversity. The Zimbabwe loss was a wake-up call. Expect a focused, aggressive Australia, Head attacking from ball one, Zampa exploiting the surface, and the fielders hunting every chance. Sri Lanka will compete ferociously, and the crowd will be a factor. But Australia’s superior firepower, historical dominance, and do-or-die desperation should see them secure a vital victory and keep their Super 8 hopes alive.
AUS vs SL Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Josh Inglis, Kusal Mendis
- Batters: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Pathum Nissanka
- All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Dasun Shanaka, Marcus Stoinis
- Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Captain (C) Pick: Kusal Mendis,Marcus Stoinis.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Adam Zampa, Dasun Shanaka.
