Australia face a must-win scenario as they take on co-hosts Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium tonight in a Group B thriller that could reshape the entire qualification picture.
The 2021 champions sit precariously in third place after a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, with injuries and key absences compounding their troubles. Sri Lanka, buoyed by a commanding 225-run demolition of Oman, needs just one victory to guarantee their Super 8s berth.
A Sri Lankan win would push Australia toward elimination and trigger a dramatic table reshuffle, potentially leaving three teams on six points with net run rate deciding fate. Australia desperately needs these two points to stay alive, while the Lankans eye confirmation of knockout qualification.
Let’s explore where you can watch this pivotal evening encounter live.
Australia vs Sri Lanka Match Details – T20 World Cup 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Australia vs Sri Lanka (30th Match, Group B) |
| Date | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| Time | 7:00 PM LOCAL / 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM IST |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Where to Watch AUS vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 Live?
Australian fans can watch the match live on Fox Cricket and Nine Network, with streaming available on Amazon Prime Video and Kayo. Sri Lankan viewers can access the game through TV Supreme and Dialog TV with streaming on ICC.tv and Sirasa TV. Indian audiences can tune in via Star Sports with JioHotstar streaming.
Live Streaming by Country
| Country | TV Broadcaster | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Fox Cricket, Nine Network | Amazon Prime Video, Kayo |
| Sri Lanka | TV Supreme, Dialog TV | ICC.tv, Sirasa TV |
| India | Star Sports | JioHotstar |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports, ASports | Myco, Tapmad, Tamasha |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports | Sky Go, NOW |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow by Cricbuzz |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Go, TVNZ+ |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport App, DStv |
| Bangladesh | Gazi TV, T Sports | Rabbithole |
| Middle East | — | ICC.tv |
| Rest of World | Varies by country | ICC.tv |
Live Streaming Apps for T20 World Cup 2026
For fans on the go, several mobile apps offer live streaming of T20 World Cup 2026 matches. Here’s a comprehensive list of official streaming applications:
| App Name | Available In | Platform | Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| JioHotstar | India | iOS, Android | Free with Jio / Paid Premium |
| ICC.tv | Global | iOS, Android, Web | Pay-per-match / Tournament pass |
| Willow by Cricbuzz | USA, Canada | iOS, Android | Subscription required |
| Sky Go | UK, New Zealand | iOS, Android | Sky subscription required |
| Kayo Sports | Australia | iOS, Android, Web | Subscription required |
| Amazon Prime Video | Australia, Select regions | iOS, Android, Fire TV, Web | Prime membership required |
| SuperSport App | South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa | iOS, Android | DStv subscription required |
| TVNZ+ | New Zealand | iOS, Android, Web | Free with ads |
| NOW | United Kingdom | iOS, Android, Web | Day/Month pass available |
| Tapmad | Pakistan | iOS, Android | Free & Premium tiers |
| Tamasha | Pakistan | iOS, Android, Web | Subscription required |
The Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 match will be broadcast live on Fox Cricket and Nine Network in Australia with streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Kayo. Sri Lankan viewers can watch on TV Supreme and Dialog TV with ICC.tv and Sirasa TV streaming, while Indian fans can access the match via Star Sports and JioHotstar.
Australia vs Sri Lanka Probable XIs – T20 World Cup 2026
Australia may welcome back captain Mitchell Marsh after his groin injury recovery, with Marcus Stoinis confirming Marsh had a training session and is confident of returning.
If cleared, Glenn Maxwell could make way. Sri Lanka might shuffle their openers with Kamil Mishara’s struggles (14 and 8 in two games), potentially opening the door for experienced Kusal Perera.
Australia Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann
Sri Lanka Probable XI: 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
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Pitch Report & Stats
This will be Pallekele’s first evening fixture of the tournament, bringing unknowns after Sri Lanka’s record 225/5 came in an 11 AM start against Oman.
The venue traditionally assists spinners as matches progress, placing importance on Sri Lanka’s spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Dushan Hemantha.
With average T20 scores of 168 batting first and 145 chasing, conditions favor setting targets, though evening dew could alter the equation.
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T20 Stats At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total T20 Matches | 31 |
| Matches won batting first | 16 |
| Matches won bowling first | 12 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 168 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 145 |
| Highest total recorded | 263/3 (20 Ovs) by AUS vs SL |
| Lowest total recorded | 88/10 (16 Ovs) by NZ vs SL |
| Highest score chased | 178/2 (18.4 Ovs) by PAK vs BAN |
| Lowest score defended | 133/10 (16.2 Ovs) by SL vs ENG |
Australia vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record
| Aspect | Result |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 15 |
| Australia Won | 9 |
| Sri Lanka Won | 6 |
| World Cup Record (ODI & T20I) | Australia 13-2 Sri Lanka |
| At Pallekele (T20I) | Australia 1-0 Sri Lanka |
