Overview:
On paper, Australia look stronger than Sri Lanka, but their recent loss to Zimbabwe has raised questions. Weaknesses in the top order and a lack of strike bowlers could trouble them.
The 30th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will feature Australia and Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, with the match starting at 7:00 PM IST.
Sri Lanka have started the tournament in style, winning their first two matches convincingly. They opened with a 29-run victory over Ireland and followed it up by crushing Oman by 105 runs.
Australia started positively against Ireland but ran into trouble against Zimbabwe, falling 23 runs short of their 170-run target.
It’s a crucial encounter, with Sri Lanka chasing Super 8 qualification and Australia fighting to stay in the hunt.
SL vs AUS Match Details
| Fixture | AUS vs SL : 30th Match, T20World Cup 2026 |
| Date | February 16th, 2026 (Monday) |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Toss time | 6:30 PM IST |
| Ground | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
SL vs AUS head-to-head records in T20I
| Matches Played | AUS | SL |
| 26 | 16 | 10 |
Pitch Report
Pallekele offers a true batting track, yet pacers get movement off the green surface with the new ball. First-innings totals usually range between 170–180, and spinners can be effective once the ball softens in the middle overs.
SL vs AUS Probable Best Performers
Key batter to watch out for: Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Kusal Mendis in this clash with Australia. With back-to-back fifties already, his form and shot-making prowess could decide the outcome. His performance will be crucial if Sri Lanka want to post a big total or chase successfully.
Key bowler to watch out for: Maheesh Theekshana
Sri Lanka’s seasoned spinner Maheesh Theekshana will be a key threat in this clash. He has already taken five wickets across the first two matches, troubling opposition batters with his variations.
SL vs AUS Match Prediction ICC T20 World Cup 2026
On paper, Australia look stronger than Sri Lanka, but their recent loss to Zimbabwe has raised questions. Weaknesses in the top order and a lack of strike bowlers could trouble them, while Sri Lanka’s spin attack has historically given Aussie batters headaches. Still, Australia will treat this as a do-or-die game and push hard for a win.
SL vs AUS Probable XIs
Australia: Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Green, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake,Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c),Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana