Marsh returns for Australia

Mon, 16 February 2026

18:40

Welcome to the coverage of Match No. 30 of the T20 World Cup between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

Sri Lanka have won the toss and they have opted to field first.

Skipper Mitchell Marsh, who was nursing an injury, has been included in the Australia's Playing XI.

Its do or die for Australia

A win will virtually take Sri Lanka to the Super 8s while Australia, who suffered an embarrassing 23-run defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe, need to win both of their remaining Group D matches for securing a spot in the Super 8s.

Sri Lanka are currently unbeaten, winning their ties against Ireland (by 20 runs) and Oman (by 105 runs).

Kusal Mendis, who scored a 45-ball 61 in the previous clash, will once again hold the key to their chances.

Australia, grappling injuries and form slump, kicked off their campaign with a win against Ireland, but failed to chase down a modest target of 170 against Zimbabwe.

The return of Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith, one of them is expected to feature in the Playing XI against Sri Lanka, might inject renewed energy to their batting line-up which inexplicably suffered a collapse against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka and Australia have met each other 26 times in T20Is, with Australia holding a 15-10 head-to-head advantage. One match was tied.

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