Australia Playing XI Vs Zimbabwe- T20 World Cup 2026, Match 19- Tim David In; Maxwell Out?

Tim David and Glenn Maxwell together for Australia [Source: X]

Australia is all set to face the Zimbabwe cricket team for the 19th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The clash is scheduled for February 13 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match is set to go live from 11 AM IST.

Australia vs Zimbabwe Preview

Australia already suffered from an injury setback of Mitchell Marsh, which sidelined him from the inaugural clash against Ireland. Travis Head was the stand-in skipper, and with no further update on Marsh yet, it is likely that Head will continue as skipper while Steve Smith stands by as the cover.

Though the opening clash was a treat for Australian fans to watch, there were a few loopholes that Australia would like to fix ahead of the Zimbabwe encounter. Let’s take a look at the most optimised Playing XI Australia can field against Zimbabwe.

Australia Playing XI vs Zimbabwe- Match 19, T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and Top Order: Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk) and Cameron Green

The top order is unlikely to go wrong with Travis Head and Josh Inglis opening the innings. Although Head was dismissed for a meagre six runs in the Ireland opener, he will be eager to return to form in T20I cricket, where he boasts a strike rate of 167.46 as an opener and averages 28.47 in that position.

Josh Inglis was a treat to watch in the last game. He scored 37 runs off just 17 balls, striking at 217.64, with six boundaries to his name. Hence, Inglis' hitting power alongside Head will continue to strengthen Australia's explosive top order.

Cameron Green is expected to bat at number three. He also looked in solid touch against Ireland with a brisk knock of 21 runs from 11 deliveries. With Green at number three, any early top-order collapse, like Head’s dismissal in the Ireland match, can be steadied heading into the middle overs.

Middle Order and All Rounders: Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly

As reported by Rev Sportz, Tim David is set to make a comeback in the Zimbabwe clash after being ruled out of the inaugural match. If Tim David returns, Matt Renshaw at number four is likely to lose his place, despite playing a decent 37-run knock against Ireland.

Though Tim David has had less exposure at No. 4, it is fair to say that David is comfortable adjusting to any position with the bat. Nevertheless, at number four in T20Is, David boasts a strike rate of 172.44 while averaging 27.38.

Hence, keeping him in that position will help Australia accelerate through the middle overs, with Glenn Maxwell coming in at number five. Even though Maxwell’s previous outing was below par, the Australian management is likely to give the veteran a chance for redemption in the upcoming clash, keeping in mind his bowling abilities too.

Marcus Stoinis, Australia’s all-rounder, will be poised to take the helm at number six. His 29-ball 45 against Ireland is a solid and impressive marker of his red-hot form, and he is expected to continue contributing in the middle-to-death overs phase.

Cooper Connolly will come in at number seven to pair with either Stoinis or the Maxwell-David combination to add some technique in the late overs. Connolly’s performances have been at par in recent times, and his presence as an all-rounder might create pressure on Zimbabwe.

Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann

Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis will continue to lead the pace attack, with Cameron Green chipping in with his all-round pace support. In the spin department, Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann will spearhead the attack, with Cooper Connolly contributing his handy spin alongside Glenn Maxwell if needed.

Hence, with a spin-heavy unit complemented by a balanced pace attack, which marked Zampa and Ellis’ 4-fer against Ireland, Australia will be fully weaponized to take on Zimbabwe's batting lineup.

Australia likely Playing XI vs Zimbabwe- Match 19, T20 World Cup 2026- Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann