Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 Preview: Toss time, live streaming, pitch report and more

Australia will look to revive their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign when they take on Sri Lanka in a high-stakes Group B clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. With Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa expected to play pivotal roles, the former champions are under pressure after their shock defeat to Zimbabwe.

Head’s aggressive starts and Zampa’s control in the middle overs could be crucial on a surface expected to aid spin, while Maxwell’s all-round impact remains key for Australia.

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Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will rely on Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis at the top, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana expected to exploit the conditions with the ball. Matheesha Pathirana’s pace at the death and Charith Asalanka’s leadership add further balance to a Sri Lankan side that can seal Super 8 qualification with a win.

With qualification on the line, both sides will view this fixture as a must-win, setting the stage for a fascinating contest between Australia’s power-hitters and Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack.

Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup: Match Details

Match: Australia vs Sri Lanka, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka

When will the toss happen for the Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match?

The toss for the Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match will happen at 6:30 PM IST, and the match will shortly start at 7:00 PM.

Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup: Live Streaming Details

Where to watch Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup on TV in India?

The Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.

Where to watch Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup on live streaming in India?
The Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup will live stream on the JioHotstar app and website.

Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup: Pitch Report

The pitch at Pallekele is expected to be slightly slow and two-paced, offering increasing assistance to spinners as the match progresses. Batters will need to spend time at the crease, while pacers using cutters and variations could be effective in the middle overs.

A first-innings score of 160–180 could prove competitive, depending on dew.

Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup: Head-to-Head in T20Is

Total Matches: 26

Australia Wins: 16

Sri Lanka Wins: 10

Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup: Predicted Playing XIs

Australia:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann.

Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera/Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.