Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field first against Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026’s 30th match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, returned to the squad after missing the first two matches, with three changes made to the playing XI, including him. Xavier Barlett and Cooper Conolly replaced Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Ben Dwarshuis.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, the co-hosts, made just one change by bringing in Kusal Janith Perera in place of Kamil Mishara. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dasun Shanaka, mentioned that they chose to bowl first, emphasizing the importance of the game for them. He highlighted the inclusion of Kusal Perera in the top order as their only change.
Expressing the significance of the match, Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, acknowledged the responsibility that comes with every game in the World Cup. He mentioned the challenges ahead and the new additions to their team, including himself, Cooper Connolly, and Xavier Bartlett. Australia needs a win in this match after a defeat to Zimbabwe, while Sri Lanka has won both their previous games and is tied at the top spot with Zimbabwe.
The playing XIs for the match are as follows:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
