A battle for Group B supremacy looms as tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka welcome the 2021 champions Australia to the scenic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy for Match 30 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Taking place on February 16, 2026, this clash is more than just a game; it is a test of survival for an injury-depleted Australian side against a Sri Lankan team buoyed by home support and specialized spin conditions. You can catch every ball of this high-stakes encounter live on [[/channel/willow-sports-live-cricket-tv/:Willow by Cricbuzz]]. Head-to-Head: The Lions vs. The Baggy Greens Historically, Australia has dominated this fixture, but the Lions have often clawed back in subcontinental conditions. In T20 World Cup history, Australia holds a convincing 4-1 lead over Sri Lanka. Oct 25, 2022 (T20 WC): Australia won by 7 wickets (Stoinis 59* off 18 balls). Oct 28, 2021 (T20 WC): Australia won by 7 wickets. June 8, 2022: Australia won by 3 wickets. June 7, 2022: Australia won by 10 wickets. Feb 20, 2022: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (The last time SL beat AUS in a T20I). Team Form & Recent Results Australia (L-L-L-W-L) The Aussies are in the midst of a transition period, currently navigating the tournament without veteran pacers [[/fighter/pat-cummins-postman-pat/40362/:Pat Cummins]] and Josh Hazlewood due to injury. After a tough 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan last month, they are under pressure to adapt to slow, low decks. Warm-up: Defeated Pakistan by 10 runs (Feb 2026). Series: Lost 3-0 to Pakistan (Jan 2026). Last Match: Facing Ireland (Feb 11) before this Kandy showdown. Sri Lanka (L-L-W-W-L) The co-hosts have opted for continuity, reinstating Dasun Shanaka as captain for this campaign. Despite a recent series loss to England, they remain a formidable force at Pallekele, where their "mystery" spin often thrives. Series: Lost 2-1 to England (Jan 2026). Series: Defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 (Late 2025). Last Match: Facing Oman (Feb 12) to build momentum for this fixture. Players in Focus Mitchell Marsh (Australia): The skipper and powerhouse. With the bowling unit missing its "Big Three," Marsh's middle-over contributions with the ball and his aggressive batting are crucial for Australian stability. [[/fighter/wanindu-hasaranga/40364/:Wanindu Hasaranga]] (Sri Lanka): The heartbeat of the Lions' defense. On the Kandy track, his leg-spin is lethal; he currently boasts one of the best strike rates in the world against Australian batters. [[/fighter/travis-head/39917/:Travis Head]] (Australia): The world's premier T20 opener. Australia will rely on him to provide a "flyer" in the powerplay before the pitch slows down and favors the spinners. [[/fighter/matheesha-pathirana-baby-malinga/40367/:Matheesha Pathirana]] (Sri Lanka): "Baby Malinga" is Sri Lanka's ultimate death-overs weapon. His slinging yorkers will be the final hurdle for Australia's finishers like Marcus Stoinis and [[/fighter/glenn-maxwell-the-big-show/40361/:Glenn Maxwell]].