Australia will be seen in action against the Sri Lankan team in the 30th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. This will mark the Group B clash between the two big teams, and the clash of titans Australia Playing XI vs Sri Lanka Playing XI.
In the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Australia was crowned the champions of the tournament, and on the other hand, Sri Lanka was also the T20 World Cup champion until 2014.
Australia’s newly revamped bowling unit will face a tough test against Sri Lanka. Additionally, Australia’s out-of-form batting line-up will be exposed to the spin-friendly nature and excellent group of spinners in the Sri Lankan side.
Australia Playing XI vs Sri Lanka Playing XI, Match No. 30 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Playing XI of Australia vs Sri Lanka-T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Steve Smith and Travis Head
Australian legend Steve Smith will be in Sri Lanka for the World Cup and he could be included in the team as a batting replacement for fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. Mitchell Marsh is injured, and Steve Smith could make a long-awaited T20 comeback in the World Cup. Smith is a die-hard cricketer and Travis Head will be there to guide the Australian innings in the final. However, Head has not been able to perform well in this World Cup so far.
Middle order: Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David
Australia promoted Josh Inglis to the top order and Inglis will still be an important player for them in the middle order. Inglis is a dynamic run-getter; However, he is the last recognized batsman before big-hitting finishers Matthew Renshaw and Tim David. Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis will be supported as in-form all-rounders, while Glenn Maxwell may be sidelined due to his poor form.
Bowlers: Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnman
Nathan Ellis is Australia’s most effective fast bowler, particularly due to his ability to bowl in the death overs. Xavier Bartlett is likely to return to the playing eleven in place of Ben Dwarshius. Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhneman will be the Australian team’s standout spinners and their most prominent wicket-takers.
Australia Probable Playing XI: Steve Smith, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnman.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Australia-ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara
Pathum Nissanka is lacking form at the top of the order for the Sri Lankan team, while on the other hand, his opening pair with Kamil Mishra has not been successful for the Sri Lankan team in this World Cup. Yet he will continue to lead the Lankan team at the top of the order.
Middle-order batsmen: Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain)
Kusal Mendis and Pawan Rathnayake are performing well for the Sri Lankan team. He has made a big contribution in the middle order and has been their highest run-scorer in this World Cup. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, two all-rounders, contribute with both bat and ball for Sri Lanka.
Bowlers: Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Velazquez, Mahesh Theekshana, Mathisha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera.
Great leg spinner Hasaranga has been ruled out, and Dushan Hemantha is the key to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, especially when he forms a spin trio with Dunith Velalej and Mahesh Theekshana. Dushmantha Chameera and Mathisha Pathirana will be crucial for them in the death overs, which is a better operating phase for them than the powerplay overs. Chameera and Theekshana remain the highest wicket-taker bowlers in the team.
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dusan Hemantha, Dunith Vellaage, Mahish Theekshana, Mathisha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera.
Also read: Revealed: How can Australia still qualify for Super 8 after shocking defeat against Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026?