Australia's best XI for T20 World Cup 2026

Australia will enter the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as one of the favourites despite a recent series defeat to Pakistan with a depleted squad. Slotted in Group C, Australia will open their campaign in Sri Lanka against Ireland (Feb 11), Zimbabwe (Feb 13), Sri Lanka (Feb 16), and Oman (Feb 20), with all group stage matches spread across Colombo and Pallekele. While spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka will have their own challenge, Australia’s batting depth makes them a dangerous team.

Their 2024

T20 World Cup campaign ended in the Super Eights, after losses to Afghanistan and India. Heading into 2026, injuries to fast bowlers like Pat Cummins and fitness concerns around Josh Hazlewood have forced Australia into a tough spot. However, the team looks well-balanced to adapt and go deep into the tournament.

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Here's Australia's best XI for T20 World Cup 2026:

Openers: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C)

Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh form one of the most destructive opening pairs in world cricket. Head’s approach makes him capable of swinging games within the first six overs. His performance in the past few years has shown him dominating the bowlers comfortably.

On the other hand, Marsh will be leading this team. The all-rounder has thrived on batting-friendly surfaces and has grown into a tempo-setter rather than a mere hitter. Together, Head and Marsh are responsible for giving Australia a strong start.

Middle Order: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (WK)

Australia's middle-order will be formed by Cameron Green and Josh Inglis. Green can either stabilise after early wickets or accelerate against spin in the middle overs.

Meanwhile, Inglis has made his spot as Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. Comfortable against spin and capable of playing unconventional shots, Inglis fits perfectly into Australia’s aggressive template. Notably, he will also don the gloves behind the wickets.

All-rounders: Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis

This trio is capable of winning games with both bat and ball. Tim David is no longer just a finisher; his century against the West Indies showed him dominate and play longer innings.

Glenn Maxwell is equally dangerous against spin and pace. Maxwell’s off-spin also provides a team with a reliable spinner in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis has shown his ability to close games and pick important wickets both at the middle and death overs.

Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Adam Zampa is the main spinner of Australia’s bowling attack. Their highest T20I wicket-taker, Zampa, whose ability to strike in the middle overs will be crucial, especially on turning Sri Lankan tracks.

Pacer Nathan Ellis, with his slower balls and Yorkers, has been grabbing headlines and is in good form. Xavier Bartlett is Australia’s next-generation pacer, having been crucial for the Aussies. Josh Hazlewood, who will be unavailable for the first few games, will be looking to make his presence felt after he returns to peak fitness.

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Pakistan’s predicted XI for T20 World Cup 2026:

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.