Australia in T20 World Cup 2026 - (Source: X.com)
On Friday, February 20, Australia will lock horns against Oman in the final group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The Pallekelle Stadium in Kandy will host the dead-rubber game as the two teams have crashed out in the group stage.
Australia’s group-stage exit was shocking as the Mitchell Marsh-led side have won just a solitary game so far. The 2021 World Cup winners suffered an upset against Zimbabwe, followed by a crushing defeat against the hosts, Sri Lanka.
Australia vs Oman Preview
For Australia, they have a dead rubber in front of them, which is why a few changes are expected in the line-up. Steve Smith has been the talk of the town because he travelled to Sri Lanka as a replacement, but by the time he got match-ready, the Men in Yellow crashed out of the competition. Thus, the internet is flooded with memes. Although the right-handed batter is expected to be presented with a chance against Oman.
Smith is likely to replace Cameron Green in the team, who is going through a rough phase. Besides Smith, Australia are expected to make a few more changes, and this article will shed light on Australia’s probable playing XI for the Oman match.
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Australia’s Playing XI vs Oman- Match 40
Openers and Top Order (Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Steve Smith)
Australia are unlikely to make any changes to their opening combination. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head stitched a 104 runs stand against the Island Nation, where Marsh scored 54 (27), whereas Head amassed 56 (29).
The two explosive batters are in fine touch, and the Men in Yellow would look to finish their campaign on a high, which is why Head and Marsh will continue to open the innings.
Cameron Green is unlikely to play the upcoming game because of his dismal form. Notably, Green has scored just 24 runs in three innings and hasn’t bowled enough in the tournament, picking up just a solitary wicket.
Middle Order and All Rounders (Tim David, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell)
Australia’s middle-order has also struggled in the tournament, but due to the lack of batting options in the middle, the Men in Yellow will have to proceed with their regular middle-order, consisting of Tim David, Josh Inglis, and Glenn Maxwell.
Tim David returned to the team from the second match and has amassed just six runs in two matches. Glenn Maxwell has scored 62 runs in three innings and is yet to pick up a wicket.
Bowlers (Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett)
In the bowling, Adam Zampa and Xavier Bartlett have been on song for Australia. The 33-year-old has four wickets in three innings, while Ellis has 4 wickets in three innings.
Xavier Bartlett, on the other hand, has no wickets in two innings, but is likely to be presented with another opportunity to regain lost confidence.
Australia’s Playing XI vs Oman- Match 40, T20 World Cup 2026
Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Steve Smith,Tim David, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett
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