Australia will head to Pallekele International Cricket Stadium for their final two Group B fixtures of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, looking to keep their semi-final hopes alive. After playing their first two games in Colombo, the former champions now move to Kandy, where they have found conditions far from comfortable in T20Is.

Australia’s records at Pallekele are underwhelming. In four T20Is at the venue, they have managed just one win while suffering three defeats. Their first appearance at the ground came in August 2011, where they lost twice in the span of three days to Sri Lanka, first by 35 runs and then by 8 runs. Five years later, in September 2016, Australia finally clinched their first win at the venue with an 85-run win over Sri Lanka. However, their most recent outing at Pallekele in June 2022 ended in disappointment, as Sri Lanka chased down the target to win by four wickets. 

How has Australia fared so far in the T20 World Cup 2026?

The Australian team began their 2026 campaign at the R. Premadasa Stadium, defeating Ireland by 67 runs after posting 182/6. However, in their second match against Zimbabwe, chasing 170, the team was bowled out for 146, losing by 23 runs. Blessing Muzarabani’s four-wicket haul rattled the top order, and early losses left the former champions struggling in the powerplay. Despite a fighting 65 from Matt Renshaw, the team couldn't cross the line.

They will now face Sri Lanka and Oman in their final two group matches, both scheduled in Kandy. Having won one and lost one so far, they are in a must-win situation. The shift from Colombo to Pallekele could bring a change in playing conditions. Historically, Pallekele has assisted spinners while also rewarding batters who take time in the pitch.