Australia face Zimbabwe in Match 19 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo, with both teams coming into the contest on the back of opening-match wins. While Australia look to extend their early momentum, Zimbabwe aim to test the defending champions’ depth in familiar conditions.
Match details
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Date: Friday, February 13
Time: 11:00 AM IST, 10:30 AM PST, 5:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
Australia
The 2021 champions started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding performance against Ireland. Batting first, Australia posted a competitive 182 for 6, with Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, and Matt Renshaw providing the backbone of the innings. The bowlers then applied sustained pressure to dismiss Ireland for 115 in 16.5 overs, underlining the team’s balance and depth.
Australia continue to rely on a strong middle order and an experienced bowling attack. With Travis Head leading the side, the team shows flexibility in both powerplay aggression and death-overs execution. Their combination of pace, spin, and all-round options makes them adaptable to subcontinental conditions like Colombo.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe also opened their campaign with a win, defeating Oman at the same venue. Led by Sikandar Raza, the side benefits from already having match experience at the R Premadasa Stadium in this tournament. That familiarity with the pitch and conditions could play a key role against stronger opposition.
Zimbabwe’s strength lies in their disciplined bowling and all-round capabilities, particularly through Raza and Ryan Burl. The team will focus on staying competitive through tight spells and taking the match deep, where pressure can shift quickly in T20 cricket.
Key players
For Australia, Travis Head remains central to their plans. Despite an early dismissal against Ireland, the left-hander’s ability to dominate the powerplay makes him a constant threat. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis add firepower and flexibility in the middle overs, while Adam Zampa anchors the spin attack.
Zimbabwe will once again look towards Sikandar Raza for leadership and all-round impact. Blessing Muzarabani stands out with the ball after claiming three wickets in the previous match. His pace and bounce could trouble Australian batters on a surface that offers some assistance early on.
Head-to-head record
Australia and Zimbabwe have faced each other three times in T20 internationals. Australia have won two matches, while Zimbabwe have secured one victory. Their first meeting came on September 12, 2007, and the most recent encounter took place on July 6, 2018. This limited history adds intrigue to the matchup, especially in a World Cup setting.
Pitch report
The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has hosted 59 T20 matches so far, with an average first-innings score of 142. Teams chasing have enjoyed more success, with 35 wins compared to 23 wins for sides batting first. The surface traditionally supports spinners as the match progresses, which places added emphasis on controlling the middle overs. Captains often prefer to chase here, given the venue’s history.
Probable playing XIs
Australia: Travis Head (captain), Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wicketkeeper), Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Probable match scenarios
If Australia bat first, they will aim for a total well above the venue average by attacking during the powerplay and managing spin smartly in the middle overs. Zimbabwe, if bowling first, will focus on early wickets through Muzarabani and disciplined lines from their spinners.
Should Zimbabwe bat first, their priority will be to build partnerships and post a competitive total, knowing that chasing sides often hold an advantage here. Australia’s varied bowling attack gives them options to counter different phases of the innings.
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast on JioStar Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
In Pakistan, viewers can watch through official ICC broadcast partners and authorized sports TV channels, with digital streaming available on approved platforms.
In the UK, the match will air on official ICC broadcasting partners with coverage on television and their streaming services.
In Australia, the game will be shown on official sports broadcasters and their digital platforms.
Global viewers can follow the match through ICC’s official broadcast partners and licensed streaming services in their respective regions.
Match prediction
Australia enter the contest as clear favourites due to their depth, experience, and recent form. Zimbabwe, however, have the advantage of familiarity with conditions and the potential to challenge Australia if they strike early. A disciplined Zimbabwe performance could keep the match competitive, but Australia’s overall balance gives them the edge.
