ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Match Details
Match: Australia vs Sri Lanka – Group B
Date: 16 February 2026
Day: Monday
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Time: 07:00 PM (Local) / 07:00 PM IST
Live Telecast & Streaming
Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: JioHotstar / Disney+ Hotstar
Probable Playing XI
Australia Probable XI
Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann
Sri Lanka Probable XI
Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera
Pitch Report
The Pallekele surface generally offers good bounce and pace early in the innings, assisting fast bowlers with movement under lights. As the match progresses, the pitch becomes better for batting, while spinners can also get some grip in the middle overs. A first-innings total around 165–175 is usually considered competitive at this venue.
Weather Report
Pallekele is expected to witness warm evening conditions with temperatures around 24–28°C. Humidity may be present, but significant rain interruptions are unlikely, allowing a full match.
Match Prediction
Australia possesses a powerful batting lineup and a strong pace attack capable of dominating key phases of the match. Sri Lanka, however, has a quality spin department and experienced middle-order batters who can challenge stronger teams. Considering overall balance and squad depth, Australia holds a slight edge, though home conditions make Sri Lanka a strong competitor.
Key Players
Australia
Glenn Maxwell: Dynamic all-rounder capable of changing the game quickly.
Nathan Ellis: Strike pacer effective in powerplay and death overs.
Adam Zampa: Key spinner controlling middle-overs scoring.
Sri Lanka
Kamindu Mendis: Match-winning leg-spinning all-rounder.
Kusal Mendis: Aggressive top-order batter capable of fast starts.
Maheesh Theekshana: Mystery spinner crucial in middle overs.