AUS vs IRE, T20 World Cup 2026 Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between Australia and Ireland?

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 moves to Group B as the 2021 champions, Australia, launch their campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. For Australia, this is a fresh start after a turbulent buildup that included a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan and the loss of key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to injury. Ireland, meanwhile, is in a ‘must-win’ situation to keep their tournament hopes alive after a competitive but ultimately unsuccessful chase against co-hosts Sri Lanka in their opening game.

AUS vs IRE, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

Date and Time: February 11 (Wednesday); 3:00 pm IST / 9:30 am GMT / 8:30 pm AEDT
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

AUS vs IRE, Head-to-Head Record (T20Is):

Matches played: 2 | Australia won: 2 | Ireland won: 0

Colombo Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium is a storied venue known for its spin-friendly tracks and relatively large boundaries. In the opening matches of this World Cup, the surface has shown significant grip and turn, making the middle overs a battle of wits between spinners and batters. While the new ball might offer some initial carry for the pacers, the pitch tends to slow down as the game progresses. With the match taking place in the afternoon, dew will not be a factor, which historically favors the team batting first to set a target on a wearing pitch. However, Australia’s recent struggles against spin might tempt them to chase if they back their power-hitters to stay ahead of the required rate.

Team dynamics and key players

Australia: Led by Mitchell Marsh, the Aussies field an inexperienced pace attack featuring Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis in the absence of their veteran stars. The spotlight will be on their spin department, where Adam Zampa will be supported by Matthew Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly. The batting remains Australia’s greatest threat; Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell are capable of dismantling any attack, though their adaptability to slow Sri Lankan conditions will be the ultimate test. Note that big-hitter Tim David has been ruled out of this specific clash due to a minor injury.

Ireland: Captain Paul Stirling leads a side that prides itself on being “giant killers.” Ireland showed great character against Sri Lanka, with Curtis Campher and Harry Tector proving they can handle high-quality spin. Their bowling attack, led by Mark Adair and Josh Little, will look to exploit any early-tournament nerves in the Australian camp. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys could be the “X-factor” on a surface that will likely offer turn from ball one.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa alleges Indian players use ‘special bats’ with power others can’t get

Squads:

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young