Sri Lanka and Australia are set for Match 30 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday, February 16, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
This is a crucial Group B match where Australia must win to stay in the tournament. If they lose, Sri Lanka will advance to the Super 8s. Although a loss doesn’t eliminate Australia, they would need to win their last game and hope Zimbabwe loses their next matches.
For Australia, captain Mitchell Marsh is expected to return after missing the first two games due to injury. His comeback is vital for Australia as they face a do-or-die situation.
Australia T20 World Cup squad
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Sri Lanka has won their first two matches and aims for a third victory to secure a Super 8s spot with six points.
Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
What is the H2H record between Sri Lanka and Australia?
In head-to-head matches, Sri Lanka and Australia have faced each other 26 times. Sri Lanka has won 10 matches, while Australia has 15 victories. One match ended in a tie. In T20 World Cup encounters, Australia leads with 4 wins to Sri Lanka’s 1.
Probable XI of both teams
Sri Lanka probable XI for the match versus AUS: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara/Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.
Australia probable XI for the match versus SL: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy & Key Details of the Stadium
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Kandy and was established in 2009. Originally known as Khettarama Stadium until 1994, it was built for the 2011 ODI World Cup and can accommodate 35,000 spectators.
What is the Pitch like at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The pitch at Pallekele is known for being balanced, making it suitable for T20 matches. Of the 31 international T20 matches played here, teams batting first have won 15 times. There have been three ties and one no-result, with teams batting second winning 12 matches.
The pitch typically supports batters at the start, providing good bounce and a solid base for stroke-play. However, it tends to slow down as the match advances, making it tougher for batters and introducing spinners into the game.
Key Stats & Records at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka has played 25 T20Is here, winning 11 and losing 11, with two tied games and one no-result. Australia has the record for the highest team total at this venue, scoring 263/3 against Sri Lanka in 2016. Sri Lanka’s second-highest total is 225/5 against Oman in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The lowest total recorded at this venue is New Zealand’s 88 against Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis holds the record for the most runs at Pallekele with 471, including three fifties. Lasith Malinga has the highest wicket tally here with 18, while Maheesh Theekshana currently has 11 wickets at 18.90 among active players.
SL vs AUS: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
In the evening, Pallekele is expected to be cool and slightly damp, with temperatures around 21°C and full cloud cover. There is a 24% chance of rain, which may cause brief interruptions. Humidity levels are predicted to be high at around 80%, potentially affecting player performance. Winds could reach up to 19 km/h, benefiting swing bowlers early on.
Sri Lanka vs Australia: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
Currently, Sri Lanka is slightly favored to win, as they seem capable of handling the challenge posed by Australia, who have struggled in recent T20 matches and need to improve.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
What is the pitch report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The pitch at Pallekele is known for being balanced, making it suitable for T20 matches. Of the 31 international T20 matches played here, teams batting first have won 15 times. Teams batting second have won 12, with three ties and one no-result.
What is SL and AUS’s record at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
Sri Lanka has played 25 matches at Pallekele, securing 11 wins and 11 losses, with two games tied and one no-result. Australia has played here four times, winning three and losing once.
