For the 30th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Australia will be seen in action against the Sri Lankan side. This will mark the Group B clash between two massive sides, and the Australia Playing XI vs Sri Lanka Playing XI will mark the clash of the titans.
Australia were crowned the champion of the tournament back in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, and on the other hand, Sri Lanka were also the T20 World Cup champion dating back to 2014.
Against Sri Lanka, the newly revamped bowling unit for Australia will be heavily tested. Also, Australia’s out-of-form batting order will be exposed to the spin-friendly nature and the finest bunch of spinners in the Lankan side.
Australia Playing XI vs Sri Lanka Playing XI, Match No.30 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Australia Playing XI vs Sri Lanka—T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Steve Smith and Travis Head
Australian legend Steve Smith will be landing in Sri Lanka for the World Cup and might be added to the side as a batting replacement for pacer Josh Hazlewood. Mitchell Marsh is injured, and Steve Smith might be making a long-awaited T20 comeback in the World Cup. Smith is a staunch cricketer, and Travis Head will be there to guide the Australian innings through the final. Head, though, is yet to fire in this World Cup.
Middle-order: Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David
Australia promoted Josh Inglis to the top of the order, and Inglis will still be a vital player for them in the middle order. Inglis is a dynamic run-getter; however, he is the last recognised batter before Matthew Renshaw and Tim David, the big-hitting finisher. Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis will be backed as the in-form all-rounders, while Glenn Maxwell might be sidelined due to his lack of form.
Bowlers: Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, and Matthew Kuhnemann
Nathan Ellis is Australia’s most effective paceman, especially due to his ability to deliver in the death overs. Xavier Bartlett is most likely to return to the playing XI, replacing Ben Dwarshius. Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhnemann will be their most standout spinners in the Australian team, and their most key 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 Kuhnemann.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Australia—ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara
Pathum Nissanka has lacked form for the Sri Lankan side at the top of the order, while on the other hand, their opening pair alongside Kamil Mishara has not been successful for the Lankans coming into this World Cup. Yet they will continue to lead the Lankans at the top of the order.
Middle-Order Batters: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c)
Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake have been in the finest of touch for the Sri Lankan side. They have contributed largely in the middle order and have been their highest run scorers in this World Cup. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, the two all-rounders, contribute both with the bat and ball for Sri Lanka.
Bowlers: Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera
The legendary 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 alongside Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana. Dusmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana will be crucial for them in the death overs, which is a better operating phase for them even than the powerplay overs. Chameera and Theekshana remain the highest wicket-taking bowlers in the side.
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dusan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera.
