AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction, T20 World Cup Fantasy Team & Playing XI

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup action continues as a struggling Australia side faces the hosts, Sri Lanka, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With Australia losing three of their last five games and Sri Lanka coming off back to-back wins, this contest is crucial for momentum. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on in form players like Kusal Mendis and Marcus Stoinis who are likely to dominate the fantasy contests.

Match Details

• Match: Australia vs Sri Lanka, ICC Men's T20 World Cup
• Date: 16 Feb 2026
• Time: 07:00 PM IST (19:00 Local)
• Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

Fans can check the country wise official live streaming and TV broadcast details for this match. To know where you can watch live streaming in your country, visit this complete guide: [ICC Men’s World Cup 2026 Live Streaming Channels – Country wise Guide](https://www.ai11.in/blogs/icc mens-world cup-2026-live streaming-channels)

Weather Report

The weather in Kandy is expected to be humid with temperatures hovering around 25°C during match hours. While there is a slight chance of evening showers, we expect a full game. The Dew factor might come into play during the second innings, making chasing slightly easier.

Pitch Report & Venue Stats

The surface at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is historically balanced but has recently favored bowlers. The average score in the last 5 matches is 166 runs. Interestingly, the wicket split is nearly even, with Spinners taking 31 wickets and Pacers taking 30 wickets.

Fantasy Takeaway: A balanced team combination is essential, but quality spinners and death over pacers are your best bet for maximum points.

Team Form & Head to-Head

Australia (AUS)

• Last 5 matches: L W L L L
• Australia has struggled recently, losing to Zimbabwe and Pakistan in their last few outings. Their batting lineup has been inconsistent.
• Head to-Head: Australia dominates historically with 8 wins against Sri Lanka's 2.

Sri Lanka (SL)

• Last 5 matches: W W L L L
• Sri Lanka has found form at the right time, winning their last two matches convincingly against Oman and Ireland.
• Head to-Head: While they trail historically, their recent home form gives them a significant advantage.

Injury Updates & Player Availability

• Australia: Key players Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Matthew Short are marked as Unavailable for this fixture.
• Sri Lanka: Star all rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and pacer Eshan Malinga are currently Unavailable.

Probable Playing XI

Australia

Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Key Players to Watch

• Kusal Mendis: The wicket keeper batter is in sublime form, scoring 117 runs in the series with a high fantasy point average of 115.5. He is a must have for your fantasy contests.
• Marcus Stoinis: A vital all rounder for Australia, Stoinis has contributed 51 runs and picked up 1 wicket. His ability to bowl at the death makes him valuable.
• Maheesh Theekshana: With 5 wickets in the series, he is the leading wicket taker for Sri Lanka. The Pallekele surface suits his mystery spin perfectly.
• Josh Inglis: The Australian opener has been consistent, scoring 45 runs recently. He provides stability at the top and extra points with the gloves.
• Kamindu Mendis: An excellent differential pick, he has scored 63 runs and taken 1 wicket, offering dual value in Mega Leagues.

Fantasy Picks

Small League Safe Picks

• Kusal Mendis
• Marcus Stoinis
• Maheesh Theekshana

Mega League Differential Picks

• Nathan Ellis: His death bowling skills can yield a cluster of wickets if Australia bowls first.
• Kamindu Mendis: Low selection percentage but high potential with both bat and ball.

Match Prediction / Outlook

While Australia holds the historical edge, their recent form is worrying. Sri Lanka is playing at home and has adapted better to the conditions. Expect Sri Lanka to have a slight upper hand, especially if their spinners control the middle overs.

Disclaimer

This analysis is based on current stats and expert understanding. Always check the Final Playing XI and Toss updates before locking your fantasy team.