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Sri Lanka Wins Toss, Opts to Bowl in Crucial T20 WC Clash vs Australia

Sri Lanka has won the toss and chosen to field first against Australia in a pivotal Group 30 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Pallekele. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh returns to the side for this must-win encounter following their upset loss to Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka, having beaten Ireland and Oman, aims to secure a third straight victory. Both captains announced team changes at the toss, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest.

Key Points: T20 WC: Sri Lanka Bowl vs Australia in Must-Win Match

  • Sri Lanka wins toss and bowls first
  • Mitchell Marsh returns for Australia
  • Must-win match for Australia after Zimbabwe loss
  • Sri Lanka aims for third consecutive win
2 min read

T20 WC: Sri Lanka wins toss, asks Australia to bat

Sri Lanka wins toss, bowls first against Australia in a crucial T20 World Cup match. Mitchell Marsh returns for Aussies in must-win fixture.

"All okay, ready to go tonight. It's a big game, every game comes with great responsibility. - Mitchell Marsh"

Pallekele, February 16

Sri Lanka have won the toss and opted to field against Australia in match 30 of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Pallekele on Monday.

Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh, after missing out in the first two T20 WC 2026 fixtures, is back in the side. It's a must-win match for the Aussies after they lost to Zimbabwe in their previous encounter, while Sri Lanka will aim to continue their winning momentum and secure a hat-trick of matches.

Sri Lanka have defeated Ireland and Oman both by batting first, while Australia defeated Ireland by 67 runs but faced a major upset against Zimbabwe, losing by 23 runs.

"All okay, ready to go tonight. It's a big game, every game comes with great responsibility. Weren't at our best in the last game. Myself, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett come in," Marsh said at the toss. "We're going to bowl first. One of the most important games in the comp. One change - Kusal Perera comes in for Mishara," Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said.

Teams: Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana. Australia (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis(w), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is a cracking match-up! Australia's batting looks powerful on paper, but they were so flat against Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka's spin attack in these conditions could be the difference. Hoping for a close game!
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Ananya R
Shanaka made the right call. Chase is always better in a high-pressure game. But dropping Mishara? He was decent in the last match. Perera needs to fire today. SL's bowling lineup with Theekshana, Wellalage, and Pathirana is scary good!
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Vikram M
Australia's team selection is confusing yaar. Where is Pat Cummins? And they're playing both Stoinis and Green? Seems like too many all-rounders. Their batting depth is insane, but the bowling looks a bit thin if the spinners don't click.
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Karthik V
Must-win for Australia means we'll see some aggressive cricket. Head and Marsh at the top need to give a flying start. But SL's Pathirana in the death overs is a nightmare for any batter. 50-50 game, leaning slightly towards Sri Lanka at home.
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Jessica F
Respectfully, I think the article could have given a bit more context on the points table and what this result means for other teams like India or England. The focus is very much on these two teams, but it's a tournament.
P

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