Sri Lanka and Australia gear up for Match 30 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday, February 16. The match will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

This is a crunch Group B clash where Australia are in a situation where they need to win and keep their campaign alive. A defeat would allow Sri Lanka to make it through to the Super 8s. If Australia lose, they are not out of the tournament but will need to win their final game and expect Zimbabwe to lose their remaining games.

For the Aussies, skipper Mitchell Marsh is likely to make a return. He missed the 1st two games for his side with an injury. Australia will hope his return helps the side immensely as they are in a must-win scenario.

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 won their 1st two matches and are seeking a 3rd straight victory. A win will take them to six points and guarantee them a Super 8s spot.

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, Pramod Madushan.

What is the H2H record between Sri Lanka and Australia?

In terms of the head-to-head record, Sri Lanka and Australia have played 26 times to date. SL own 10 wins compared to Australia’s 15. One match was tied. At the T20 World Cup, Australia are 4-1 from five meetings against the Lankans.

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

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Kandy. It was known as the Khettarama Stadium until 1994. The stadium was established in 2009. The stadium was built with an eye on the 2011 ODI World Cup. As many as 35,000 spectators can enjoy the game here.

What is the Pitch like at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. Of the 31 international matches played here in the shortest format, teams batting first have emerged victorious on 15 occasions. Three games have been tied, with one match not having a result. Teams batting 2nd have claimed 12 wins.

The surface at Pallekele is generally known for being batter-friendly at the start. With a firm base and reliable bounce, stroke-makers can play through the line confidently in the powerplay and early overs. The ball comes on nicely, allowing teams to build momentum upfront.

As the match progresses, however, the pitch tends to lose pace. It becomes slightly tacky, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into the contest.

Key Stats & Records at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Sri Lanka have played 25 T20Is here. They have won 11 and lost 11. Two games were tied, with one match seeing no result. Overall, 31 matches in T20Is have been held here.

Australia hold the highest team total record here, scoring 263/3 in 20 overs versus Sri Lanka in 2016. Sri Lanka own the 2nd-highest team total, scoring 225/5 against Oman in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

New Zealand’s score of 88 versus Sri Lanka is the lowest team total at this venue. Sri Lanka have recorded the next two lowest scores (116 each).

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis owns the most runs here (471). He has hit three fifties here.

Former fast bowling legend Lasith Malinga has picked the most wickets (18). Among active players, Maheesh Theekshana has collected 11 scalps at 18.90.

SL vs AUS: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

Evening conditions in Pallekele are expected to be cool and slightly damp. The temperature is likely to hover around 21°C, with full cloud cover overhead. There is a 24% chance of rain, so brief interruptions cannot be ruled out. Humidity levels are forecast to be high at around 80%, which could make conditions a bit heavy, especially for the players. Winds are set to gust up to 19 km/h, potentially aiding swing bowlers early on.

Sri Lanka vs Australia: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

All things considered, Sri Lanka will be the slight favourites, and one expects them to handle the threat Australia will provide. Australia have been abysmal of late in T20Is and they need to pull their socks up.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

What is the pitch report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. Of the 31 international matches played here in the shortest format, teams batting first have emerged victorious on 15 occasions. Three games have been tied, with one match not having a result. Teams batting 2nd have claimed 12 wins.

The surface at Pallekele is generally known for being batter-friendly at the start. With a firm base and reliable bounce, stroke-makers can play through the line confidently in the powerplay and early overs. The ball comes on nicely, allowing teams to build momentum upfront.

As the match progresses, however, the pitch tends to lose pace. It becomes slightly tacky, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into the contest.

What is SL and AUS’s record at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?

At the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka have played 25 times with 11 wins and 11 defeats. Two games have been tied, with 1 match seeing no result. Australia have played 4 times here, winning three and losing one.

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