Sri Lanka meet Australia in a decisive Group-stage clash as momentum and survival collide in Match 30 of the tournament. With Sri Lanka eyeing early Super Eight qualification and Australia fighting to stay alive, the stakes could not be higher at Pallekele.
Match details
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Date: Monday, February 16
Time: 7:00 PM IST, 6:30 PM PST, 1:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have emerged as one of the most dominant sides of the tournament so far. The co-hosts began their campaign with a convincing 29-run win over Ireland before dismantling Oman by 105 runs in their second outing. Those results have not only boosted their net run rate but also highlighted their balance across batting and bowling departments.
Sri Lanka’s top order has provided brisk starts, while the middle order has capitalized ruthlessly. Their bowling attack, especially in home conditions, has maintained pressure throughout the innings, preventing opposition batters from building momentum. Another win here would all but seal Sri Lanka’s passage into the Super Eight stage.
Australia
Australia arrive at Pallekele under pressure after an inconsistent start to their campaign. They opened with a win against Ireland but suffered a major setback against Zimbabwe, losing by 23 runs while chasing a target of 170. That defeat exposed lapses in execution, particularly in the middle overs with both bat and ball.
The 2021 champions now face a must-win situation. Australia still possess depth and explosive power, but they need greater cohesion and clarity in roles to overcome a confident Sri Lankan side in their own conditions.
Key players
Kusal Mendis stands out as Sri Lanka’s most influential batter heading into this contest. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored back-to-back half-centuries and has looked in complete control at the crease. His ability to handle both pace and spin will prove crucial against Australia’s varied bowling attack. With the ball, Maheesh Theekshana remains central to Sri Lanka’s plans, having already taken five wickets in the tournament and using home conditions to maximum effect.
For Australia, much depends on the top order led by captain Travis Head. His aggressive approach can set the tone early, while Glenn Maxwell and Tim David provide finishing firepower. Adam Zampa will carry responsibility in the middle overs as Australia look to counter Sri Lanka’s strong batting lineup.
Head-to-head record
Australia and Sri Lanka have faced each other 26 times in T20 internationals. Australia hold the upper hand with 16 victories, while Sri Lanka have won 10 matches. There have been no tied games or no-results between the sides. Their first meeting came on September 20, 2007, with the most recent clash played on October 25, 2022.
Pitch report
This will be the second match of the 2026 T20 World Cup at Pallekele. The venue previously hosted Sri Lanka’s high-scoring encounter against Oman, where the hosts posted 225 runs in 20 overs. The surface offered true bounce and value for shots, suggesting another batting-friendly pitch. Bowlers will need to rely on variations and precise execution, especially at the death, to contain scoring.
Probable playing XIs
Australia XI:
Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann
Sri Lanka XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Probable match scenarios
If Sri Lanka bat first, they will look to exploit familiar conditions and post a total well above par, allowing their spinners to control the chase. If Australia bat first, they will target a fast start in the powerplay to offset Sri Lanka’s spin threat later in the innings. The toss could play a key role, given the success of chasing sides on similar surfaces.
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network Channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch through official sports television networks and authorized digital platforms carrying ICC rights. In the UK and Australia, the match will be available on official ICC broadcast partners and their respective streaming services. Global audiences can follow the action through region-specific ICC-approved broadcasters and apps.
Match prediction
Sri Lanka enter the contest with form, confidence, and home advantage firmly on their side. Australia possess the experience to mount a strong challenge, but they need a near-perfect performance to overcome the hosts. Given current momentum and conditions, the chasing team holds a clear advantage, making Sri Lanka slight favorites if they execute their plans effectively.