Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Australia – T20 World Cup 2026, Match 30– Asalanka In For Hemantha?

SL playing 11 vs AUS [Source: @cricketclue247/x.com]

Sri Lanka head into the biggest game of their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign brimming with confidence. Two games, two wins, top of Group B, and now one step away from sealing a Super 8 spot. But Monday night at Pallekele against Australia will be their biggest exam yet.

The co-hosts have looked like a well-oiled unit so far. Their middle order has fired, their spinners have controlled games, and their pace attack has been clinical at the death. However, injuries and the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga have forced them to rethink combinations heading into this crucial clash.

Pallekele traditionally offers pace and bounce compared to other Sri Lankan venues and is also the highest-scoring ground in the country. That means Sri Lanka might tweak their balance slightly to counter Australia’s aggressive batting line-up.

Let’s break down Sri Lanka’s playing XI vs Australia.

Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Australia- Match 30

Openers and Top Order (Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake)

Sri Lanka’s top order has quietly done its job without stealing too many headlines. Pathum Nissanka hasn’t produced a big score yet but has given starts in both games. Against Ireland he scored 24, and against Oman he managed 13. 

While those numbers may look modest, his role has been to stabilise the innings early. Against Australia’s new-ball threat, his ability to bat deep will be crucial.

Kamil Mishara has shown glimpses of intent but hasn’t converted. Scores of 14 and 8 mean he is under slight pressure, but the management is likely to back him for now due to his left-hand option at the top and aggressive approach in the powerplay.

Kusal Mendis has been the glue of this batting unit. Scores of 56* and 61 make him Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter so far. Against Australia’s high-quality attack, his ability to rotate strike and bat through the innings will be key.

Pavan Rathnayake has been a revelation. After a quiet first match, he smashed 60 off just 28 against Oman and completely changed the momentum. His strike rate and fearless approach make him Sri Lanka’s X-factor at No.4.

Middle Order and All Rounders (Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Charith Asalanka)

Sri Lanka’s middle order has been their biggest strength so far. Dasun Shanaka looks back to his best as captain and finisher. His 50 off 20 against Oman showed that he can still clear boundaries with ease.

Kamindu Mendis has arguably been Sri Lanka’s most impactful batter. His 44 off 19 against Ireland turned the game completely and gave Sri Lanka a winning total. He then chipped in with a cameo against Oman and even contributed with the ball.

Dunith Wellalage has been extremely tidy with the ball, picking up wickets and keeping the economy under control. With Hasaranga ruled out, his role becomes even more important as the lead all-round spin option alongside Theekshana.

Charith Asalanka could come back into the XI for this game in place of Dushan Hemantha. With Pallekele offering more assistance to seamers and being a high-scoring venue, Sri Lanka may want an extra batting cushion. Asalanka’s experience against top teams and ability to play spin and pace equally well makes him a strong option at No.5 or No.6.

Bowlers (Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana)

Sri Lanka’s bowling has been disciplined and effective across both matches. Maheesh Theekshana has been outstanding. He picked up 3/23 against Ireland and followed it with 2/11 against Oman. On home surfaces, he remains Sri Lanka’s biggest bowling weapon.

Dunith Wellalage has supported him well, while Kamindu Mendis has chipped in with useful overs. But the real test will be against Australia’s middle order featuring big hitters.

Dushmantha Chameera brings pace and experience. He has struck early in matches and gives Sri Lanka an edge with the new ball. Against Australia’s attacking openers, his first two overs will be vital.

Matheesha Pathirana remains Sri Lanka’s trump card at the death. His slingy action and yorkers make him extremely hard to line up in the final overs.

With Hasaranga ruled out, Sri Lanka might consider strengthening their team depth. Dushan Hemantha was expensive against Oman and could make way if the team opts for a batting all-rounder. Someone like Charith Asalanka or Janith Liyanage offer that.

Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Australia - Match 30, T20 World Cup 2026: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana