Published on: Feb 19, 2026 7:22 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 19, 2026 2:21 pm IST
The final group game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Already eliminated teams, Australia and Oman will be squaring off in this contest to bow out with a win under their belt. The 2021 champions, Australia, had a shambolic run in this World Cup as they lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka to bow out of the first round of the T20 World Cup 2026. Oman, who are already winless, will look to secure perhaps their biggest win in cricketing history, i.e., defeating the Aussies. Expect a game of desperation as both teams will do their best to exit the World Cup with a win. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 40th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
Australia, despite two losses in a row, will start as the outright favorites against Oman. Both teams have been eliminated from the Super 8s race and have no added pressure. Therefore, expect both teams to play some fearless cricket, but Australia, being a former T20 World Cup champion and having 100 times better exposure to international cricket than Oman, will have the win probability meter favoring them. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 40th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
AUS: 99% win chance OMA: 1% win chance
The Aussie skipper in his first innings of T20 World Cup 2026, scored a magnificent fifty in the game against Sri Lanka. He will be a key batter for the side at the top.
The only useful innings Head has played in this World Cup, came in the previous game against Sri Lanka. He scored a 29 balls 56 and will be looking to score more in this innings.
The veteran Omani opener is fresh off a fifty in the last game against Ireland. He has 61 runs in 3 innings so far and will be a key player for the side with the bat.
Australia's wicket-keeper batter has scored 72 runs so far in the three innings. He is expected to bat at no 5 and should think about staying on the wicket rather than slogging from the very first ball.
Check out our prediction for the AUS vs OMA 40th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
Australia will look to salvage pride as they face Oman in their final group-stage clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele on February 20. After the 2009 edition of the T20 World Cup, this is the second time that Australia has been eliminated in the first round. With this unwanted record, Australia has become the only Test-playing nation to bow out of the T20 World Cup in the first round twice.
Under pressure and with nothing but pride to play for, the Aussies will aim to finish on a winning note. Their batting unit has struggled for consistency, while the bowling attack has lacked penetration in crucial moments. Against Oman, Australia will hope their experienced stars step up and deliver a commanding performance to end the campaign positively.
For Oman, this fixture presents an opportunity to challenge a wounded giant and make a statement on the global stage. While Australia seeks redemption, Oman will be eager to prove their mettle, ensuring that the contest remains competitive despite the contrasting histories of the two sides.
Oman will step onto the field against Australia at Pallekele with a chance to script what could be the biggest upset in their cricketing history. Facing a wounded Australian side that has already been eliminated from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Oman will sense an opportunity to challenge one of the game’s giants.
Australia, despite their pedigree, have endured a disappointing campaign, bowing out in the first round for only the second time in T20 World Cup history. With pride at stake, they will be determined to finish on a winning note. Yet, Oman will be hopeful to take advantage of Australia’s lackluster show in this World Cup.
For Oman, victory here would not just be about two points, it would be a landmark achievement, a statement that they can topple a powerhouse on the global stage. As the underdogs prepare for battle, fans will be watching closely to see if Oman can turn this clash into a historic chapter in their cricketing journey. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 1 AUS won: 1 OMA won: 0 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form AUSTRALIA: L L W L L RECENT form SRI LANKA: W W L L L
Only once have these two sides locked horns in T20Is, which came in the 2024 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. Australia won that match comprehensively by 39 runs.
How will the two teams, i.e., Australia and Oman, fare in the 40th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green/Matt Renshaw, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett/Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (C), Hammad Mirza, Ashish Odedara, Mohammad Nadeem, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (WK), Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 40th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy:
With the Pallekele pitch offering bounce early but slowing down later, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first. Setting a total above 170 could prove decisive, as dew in the second innings may favor chasing but also challenge bowlers defending under lights.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 40th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.
Australia should start as the favorites in this game. Despite losing two in a row, they are a far better side in terms of exposure compared to the ICC associate member, Oman. All sportsbooks have touted Australia as the favorites, and we also back them to win this contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, Australia is expected to win the AUS vs OMA, 40th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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