Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 brings massive excitement for cricket lovers in Sri Lanka and beyond. As co-hosts of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka step into their second Group B match with home pride on the line. The tournament has shifted to the beautiful Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy for this key encounter on February 12, 2026.
Sri Lanka started strongly with a 20-run win over Ireland in Colombo. Kamindu Mendis smashed a quick 44 off 19 balls to lift them to 163/6, while spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga took three wickets each to seal the deal. Fans celebrated the victory, but joy turned to concern soon after.
Star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga suffered a serious left hamstring tear during that game. An MRI confirmed the damage, and after review by a UK specialist, he was ruled out of the entire tournament. This loss hurts deeply. Hasaranga dominates middle overs with his legspin and adds explosive batting lower down. His absence creates a big gap in Sri Lanka’s plans, especially on spin-friendly tracks.
Dushan Hemantha, another legspinning allrounder, joins as replacement. He offers similar skills but brings less experience at the highest level. Sri Lanka now lean heavily on Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to control spin, while pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana provide raw speed.
For Oman, this match feels like a must-win. They sit at the bottom of Group B after a heavy defeat to Zimbabwe, bowled out for 103 and chased down easily. Oman face huge pressure to keep Super Eight dreams alive. As an Associate nation, they dream of their first T20 World Cup win over a Full Member. Their warm-up victory over Sri Lanka A gave hope, with Aamir Kaleem blasting 80.
Pallekele offers a stunning setting amid misty hills and lush greenery. Sri Lankan fans fill the 35,000-capacity stadium with energy and passion. Oman players like wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla look forward to the big crowd as motivation.
This clash tests Sri Lanka’s depth without their star spinner. Can they adapt quickly on a slower surface that suits spin? Oman need better batting against pace and bounce after their Zimbabwe collapse.
This ultimate preview guide covers everything: match details, venue insights, pitch and weather, squads, probable XIs, key players, form, stats, and more. Dive in to feel the buzz of Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026!
Match Details and Broadcast Information
Sri Lanka vs Oman marks the 16th match of Group B in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
- Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM Local (Sri Lanka), 5:30 AM GMT, 11:00 AM IST
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele (Kandy), Sri Lanka
- Toss: 10:30 AM Local
- Format: T20 International – 20 overs per side
Broadcast in India:
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Streaming: JioHotstar / Disney+ Hotstar
Global Broadcast: Check ICC partners like Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA), SuperSport (Africa), Fox Sports (Australia), and ICC.tv in select regions.
This day game starts under clear skies, offering a fresh morning feel away from Colombo’s humidity. Sri Lankan fans pack Pallekele for their team’s home push.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Venue Guide
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium sits in scenic Kandy hills, surrounded by misty mountains and lush tea estates. Known for its picturesque views, it creates an electric atmosphere for big matches.
- Capacity: 35,000
- Ends: Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada End
- Hosts: Kandurata (Central Province)
- First T20 World Cup match at venue: This SL vs Oman clash
T20I Stats at Pallekele (Since 2024)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 7 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 159 |
| Average 1st Innings Winning Score | 170 |
| Teams Batting First Wins | 2 |
| Teams Chasing Wins | 4 |
| Ties | 1 |
| Highest Team Total | 213/7 (India, 2024) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 177 (SL vs AUS, 2022) |
Sri Lanka’s overall T20I record at Pallekele stands at 10 wins and 11 losses in 24 matches. Recent form shows struggles, with only one win in the last five games here. This “bogey venue” adds pressure on the co-hosts to turn things around.
The stadium favors spin and cutters on slower pitches. Pacers get early help from moisture in day games. Chasing often proves easier, but strong middle-overs bowling defends totals.
For Sri Lankan fans, Pallekele means pride and passion. For Oman, it brings a fresh challenge on unfamiliar turf.
For more stats ESPNcricinfo.
Pitch Report and Surface Analysis
Pallekele’s pitch for Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 should play slow and assist spin. Recent Sri Lanka-England series showed mixed results, but ICC guidelines push for good batting surfaces.
Expect early moisture aiding seamers like Chameera and Pathirana. As the day progresses, spin dominates with cutters and grip. Theekshana, Wellalage, and Hemantha gain extra turn.
Average first-innings score hovers around 155-170. Batting first wins demand discipline in middle overs. Chasing remains popular (4 wins out of 7 recent chases).
Dew Factor: Minimal – day game means no evening dew impact.
Expected Par Score: 155-170 batting first looks competitive if bowlers stay tight.
Sri Lanka’s spin strength suits conditions, but Hasaranga’s absence tests their control. Oman rely on Shakeel Ahmed and Nadeem Khan to exploit any turn against SL’s middle order.
Weather Forecast for February 12, 2026
Clear to partly cloudy skies greet players in Pallekele.
- Temperature: 26-29°C high, around 19-22°C at start
- Humidity: Lower than Colombo (less sticky)
- Rain Chance: 10% or less – full match expected
- Winds: Light
Perfect conditions for cricket. No interruptions likely, allowing fans to enjoy full action.
Toss Timing, Impact, and Historical Trends
Toss Time: 10:30 AM Local
Recent trends favor chasing at Pallekele (4 chases won since 2024). Captains often bowl first on slower pitches to exploit dew (though minimal here) and pressure chasers.
With ICC-mandated batting-friendly tracks and early moisture, batting first could appeal if captains trust their bowlers. Winning toss and chasing still holds slight edge.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka reads conditions well at home. Oman skipper Jatinder Singh aims to exploit any early help.
Sri Lanka Squad Analysis: Adapting Without Hasaranga
Sri Lanka squad brings balance but faces a huge test without Wanindu Hasaranga. The legspinner’s injury leaves a void in middle-overs wickets and lower-order hitting.
Full Sri Lanka Squad
- Dasun Shanaka (c) – Allrounder
- Charith Asalanka – Batting Allrounder
- Dushmantha Chameera – Bowler
- Dushan Hemantha – Allrounder (Hasaranga replacement)
- Janith Liyanage – Batting Allrounder
- Kamindu Mendis – Allrounder
- Kusal Mendis (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Kamil Mishara – Opening Batter
- Pathum Nissanka – Top order Batter
- Matheesha Pathirana – Bowler
- Kusal Perera (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Pramod Madushan – Bowler
- Pavan Rathnayake – Top order Batter
- Maheesh Theekshana – Bowler
- Dunith Wellalage – Bowler
Key Strengths
- Top order: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis provide solid starts.
- Middle order: Kamindu Mendis explodes against spin; Shanaka adds allround value.
- Pace attack: Chameera and Pathirana deliver express pace and death bowling.
- Spin options: Theekshana leads with mystery offspin; Wellalage and Hemantha support.
Sri Lanka thrive at home with crowd support. As co-hosts, they carry national pride. Hasaranga’s absence forces smarter plans, but depth keeps them strong.
Oman Squad Analysis: Associates Ready to Challenge
Oman arrive with grit and ambition. Jatinder Singh leads a spin-heavy unit aiming to upset the odds.
Full Oman Squad
- Jatinder Singh (c) – Batter
- Aamir Kaleem – Middle order Batter
- Hammad Mirza (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Jay Odedra – Bowling Allrounder
- Mohammad Nadeem – Allrounder
- Nadeem Khan – Allrounder
- Ashish Odedara – Middle order Batter
- Jiten Ramanandi – Bowler
- Shafiq Jan – Bowler
- Shah Faisal – Bowler
- Shakeel Ahmed – Bowler
- Vinayak Shukla (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Karan Sonavale – Batting Allrounder
- Sufyan Mehmood – Bowler
- Wasim Ali – Batting Allrounder
Key Strengths
- Spin attack: Shakeel Ahmed, Nadeem Khan, and Sufyan Mehmood control middle overs.
- Batting hopes: Aamir Kaleem and Vinayak Shukla finish strongly.
- Recent boost: Warm-up win over Sri Lanka A shows potential.
Challenges include handling pace after Zimbabwe collapse. Oman close the gap with full members through experience. They play with freedom and pride.
Probable Playing XI and Key Battles
Sri Lanka Probable XI
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Dunith Wellalage
- Dushan Hemantha
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
Oman Probable XI
- Jatinder Singh (c)
- Aamir Kaleem
- Hammad Mirza
- Wasim Ali
- Karan Sonavale
- Jiten Ramanandi
- Vinayak Shukla (wk)
- Sufyan Mehmood
- Nadeem Khan
- Shah Faisal
- Shakeel Ahmed
Key Player Battles
- Pathum Nissanka vs Shakeel Ahmed: Can opener dominate left-arm spin?
- Kamindu Mendis vs Oman spinners: Middle-order aggressor faces disciplined attack.
- Matheesha Pathirana vs Oman top order: Slingy pace tests early nerves.
- Maheesh Theekshana vs Aamir Kaleem: Mystery spin vs aggressive batter.
- Dushmantha Chameera vs Vinayak Shukla: Express pace vs finisher.
These duels shape the game on spin-helping pitch.
Players to Watch: Stars Who Could Define the Match
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
On 2461 T20I runs, he needs 39 for 2500 – first Sri Lankan milestone. Consistent opener sets tone.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Hero vs Ireland with 44 off 19. Versatile middle-order star excels against spin.
Maheesh Theekshana & Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)
Lead spin without Hasaranga. Theekshana took 3 vs Ireland; both control economy.
Dushmantha Chameera & Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dushmantha Chameera | 7 | 13 | 6.97 |
| Matheesha Pathirana | 5 | 9 | 8.52 |
Pace duo troubles with bounce and yorkers.
Vinayak Shukla (Oman, wk)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinayak Shukla | 9 | 224 | 44.8 | 140.88 |
Finisher thrives under pressure.
Shakeel Ahmed (Oman)
Left-arm spinner troubled Sri Lanka A. Accuracy exploits SL middle order.
Sufyan Mehmood (Oman)
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sufyan Mehmood | 8 | 15 | 6.68 |
Leading wicket-taker brings control.
These stars bring thrill to Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026.
Head-to-Head Record
First T20I meeting between Sri Lanka and Oman. Sri Lanka won their only prior clash (ODI, 2023 Qualifier). Some sources note previous T20Is wins for SL, but this marks T20 World Cup debut clash.
Recent Form Guide
Sri Lanka (Last 5 T20Is): W L L L W
- Won vs Ireland (T20 WC)
- Losses in England series
Oman (Last 5 T20Is): L W W L W
- Lost vs Zimbabwe (T20 WC)
- Mixed results in qualifiers
Sri Lanka carry momentum; Oman seek bounce-back.
Current Group B Standings
| Team | M | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1.000 |
| Oman | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -2.702 |
Sri Lanka sit strong; Oman need points badly.
Why This Match Matters: History, Pride, and Pallekele’s Legacy
Sri Lanka boast T20 World Cup glory as 2014 champions. Co-hosting brings huge pride. Pallekele hosts memorable games, though SL seek better record here.
Oman represent Associate growth. Closing gap with full members inspires fans. A win would mark historic first over Full Member in T20 WC.
This clash celebrates cricket’s global reach and passion.
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Cricket
Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 promises drama in Pallekele. Home fans cheer their resilient side despite Hasaranga’s blow. Oman chase glory against giants.
The match highlights T20 spirit – skill, fight, and unity. Enjoy the action, support your team, and share thoughts below. Follow IPL Star for more cricket updates!
FAQs: Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026
- When and where is the Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 match scheduled? The 16th Match, Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Sri Lanka and Oman takes place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM local time (5:30 AM GMT) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele (Kandy), Sri Lanka.
- Who is missing from the Sri Lanka squad due to injury in Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026? Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the entire T20 World Cup 2026 due to a hamstring injury sustained against Ireland. Legspinner Dushan Hemantha replaces him in the Sri Lanka squad.
- What is the Pallekele pitch report for Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026? The Pallekele pitch is expected to be slower, favoring spin and cutters. Early moisture may assist seamers in this day game. Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 Since 2024, the average first-innings score is 159, with chasing teams winning 4 of 7 recent T20Is.
- What are the probable playing XIs for SL vs Oman preview in T20 World Cup 2026? Sri Lanka probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana. Oman probable XI: Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed.
- Which players to watch in Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026? Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 For Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka (nearing 2500 T20I runs), Kamindu Mendis (recent heroics), Maheesh Theekshana, and pace duo Chameera-Pathirana. For Oman: Vinayak Shukla (strong finishing), Shakeel Ahmed (left-arm spin), and Sufyan Mehmood (leading wicket-taker).
- What is Sri Lanka’s T20I record at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium? In the SL vs Oman preview context, Sri Lanka have won only 10 of 24 T20Is at Pallekele, losing 11. It remains a challenging “bogey venue” despite home advantage in Pallekele T20 World Cup 2026 matches.
- How can fans watch Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 live in India? In India, the match will be telecast on Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar/Disney+ Hotstar. Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 Global viewers can check ICC partners like Sky Sports, Willow TV, or SuperSport.
- What is the head-to-head record ahead of Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026? This marks the first-ever T20I meeting between Sri Lanka and Oman. Sri Lanka previously won their only encounter, an ODI in the 2023 World Cup Qualifier.
- What is the weather forecast for Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 match on February 12? Clear to partly cloudy skies with temperatures 26-29°C, low humidity, and less than 10% chance of rain. Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 Ideal conditions expected for the full Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 day game.
- What is the current Group B points table status before Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026? Sri Lanka top Group B with 2 points and +1.000 NRR after beating Ireland. Sri Lanka vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026 Oman sit at the bottom with 0 points and -2.702 NRR following their loss to Zimbabwe.