Australia vs Zimbabwe Prediction: Who Will Win AUS vs ZIM 19th T20 Match on 13th February 2026?
The 19th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 brings an intriguing Group B contest in Colombo. In this detailed Australia vs Zimbabwe prediction, we evaluate team form, squad strength, venue trends, and key matchups to determine who holds the edge. Australia enter the contest after a dominant 67-run win over Ireland, where their bowlers dismantled the opposition with clinical precision. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, secured an impressive victory over Oman but now face a significantly tougher challenge against one of the tournament favorites.
Australia have won 8 of their last 10 T20 World Cup matches and have an excellent record at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Teams chasing have won 8 of the last 10 matches at this venue, while the average first-innings score in the last year stands at 172 runs. With a deep batting lineup featuring explosive hitters like Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis, Australia appear formidable. Zimbabwe will rely heavily on Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett to provide resistance.
Given Australia’s momentum, superior depth, and experience in high-pressure ICC tournaments, they start as overwhelming favorites. However, Zimbabwe’s unpredictability in T20 cricket ensures the contest cannot be dismissed outright.
- Australia’s Dominance & Momentum
Australia arrive with strong confidence after dismantling Ireland by 67 runs. Their bowling attack, led by Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, claimed 8 wickets collectively in the last match. The team has won 8 of their last 10 T20 World Cup games and remains unbeaten in their last four outings at Colombo. Travis Head’s aggressive strike rate of nearly 200 in the past year highlights their top-order firepower. - Zimbabwe’s Challenge Against Elite Opposition
Zimbabwe’s 8-wicket win over Oman showcased their potential, especially through Brian Bennett’s composed 48. However, against higher-ranked teams, Zimbabwe have struggled, losing six of their last seven such encounters. Captain Sikandar Raza’s all-round influence remains crucial if they are to compete. - Pitch & Tactical Factors
R. Premadasa Stadium offers a batting-friendly surface with assistance for spinners in middle overs. Teams chasing have enjoyed recent success, suggesting toss decisions could be pivotal. - Prediction Outlook
Australia’s superior depth and match-winning options give them a strong advantage. Zimbabwe must produce an exceptional collective performance to challenge the Aussies.
Match Details
| Match | AUS vs ZIM, 19th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, February 13th, 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM |
| Venue | R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar, Star Sports Network |
Team Previews
Australia Preview
Australia national cricket team come into this contest brimming with confidence. Travis Head, leading in the absence of Mitchell Marsh, has infused aggression at the top. Though Head missed out in the last match, his strike rate of 197.5 over the past year makes him one of the most destructive openers in world cricket.
Josh Inglis provides solidity alongside Head, while Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw stabilize the middle order. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis add explosive finishing power, ensuring Australia can accelerate in death overs. Cooper Connolly’s utility role strengthens lower-order depth.
The bowling attack looks equally formidable. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa picked four wickets each in the last match, showcasing middle-over control and death-over precision. Xavier Bartlett and Matthew Kuhnemann provide variety with pace and spin. Australia’s adaptability on subcontinental pitches strengthens their chances.
Australia have won their last four matches at Colombo, reflecting comfort in these conditions. Their balanced squad and ICC tournament experience make them favorites.
Predicted XI:
Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe national cricket team started strongly with a convincing win over Oman. Brian Bennett’s 48 provided a solid base, while the bowling duo of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani shared six wickets.
Captain Sikandar Raza remains Zimbabwe’s talisman. His ability to anchor innings and contribute with the ball adds balance. Ryan Burl and Brendan Taylor bring experience, while Tadiwanashe Marumani offers aggressive starts.
Bowling remains Zimbabwe’s primary weapon. Brad Evans’ 33 wickets in the past year underline his impact. Muzarabani’s pace and Ngarava’s swing can trouble Australia’s top order if early wickets fall.
However, Zimbabwe have struggled against elite sides, losing six of seven matches against higher-ranked teams. To compete, they must deliver a disciplined performance across departments.
Predicted XI:
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Team Squad
Australia Squad
Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Tim David, Mitchell Marsh.
Zimbabwe Squad
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Graeme Cremer.
Probable Playing XI
Australia XI
Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa.
Zimbabwe XI
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
Australia vs Zimbabwe Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Josh Inglis |
| Batters | Travis Head, Brian Bennett, Cameron Green |
| All-rounders | Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza |
| Bowlers | Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans |
Travis Head remains the most explosive fantasy option given his aggressive strike rate and powerplay dominance. Josh Inglis adds wicketkeeping points and middle-order stability. Cameron Green offers dual value with both bat and occasional overs.
Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are premium all-round picks capable of influencing the match in multiple phases. Sikandar Raza is Zimbabwe’s most reliable fantasy contributor due to his ability to score runs and bowl key overs.
Adam Zampa is expected to be effective in Colombo’s spin-friendly conditions, while Nathan Ellis’ variations in the death overs increase wicket potential. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans provide Zimbabwe’s primary pace threat, especially with the new ball.
This fantasy combination balances top-order batting, middle-order firepower, spin control, and pace variation — essential for T20 contests.
Captain Choices: Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell
Vice-Captain Choices: Sikandar Raza, Adam Zampa
Players to Avoid: Dion Myers, Wellington Masakadza
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Australia are firm favorites due to superior squad depth, power-hitting ability, and bowling variety. Their middle-order strength with Maxwell and Stoinis provides finishing security, while Zampa and Ellis offer control in middle and death overs.
Zimbabwe depend heavily on Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett for major contributions. Against a high-quality Australian attack, their batting depth may struggle under sustained pressure. Australia’s ICC tournament experience and recent record at Colombo further strengthen their position.
Based on form, balance, and historical dominance, Australia hold a clear tactical and statistical advantage heading into this contest.
Australia T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 223 | 124 | 92 | 7 | 0 |
Australia are among the most successful T20 sides globally, boasting a win percentage above 55% with multiple ICC tournament titles and consistent performances across conditions.
Zimbabwe T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 187 | 68 | 116 | 3 | 0 |
Zimbabwe have shown flashes of competitiveness in T20 cricket but struggle with consistency, particularly against higher-ranked opponents.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches Played | Australia Won | Zimbabwe Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Australia lead the head-to-head record 2-1. Zimbabwe’s lone win came in a surprise performance, but historically Australia have dominated with stronger batting depth and bowling control.
Pitch Report
The surface at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium generally offers a balanced contest. Early overs assist seamers with slight movement, while spinners gain grip during middle overs. The average first-innings score over the last year is around 170–175. Teams chasing have enjoyed significant success recently, winning 8 of the last 10 matches. Dew can become a factor in later stages, making it easier for batters under lights. A score above 175 is considered competitive, but bowlers who vary pace effectively can restrict scoring.
Weather Report
Colombo is expected to be hot and humid on match day, with temperatures touching 32°C and humidity around 70–75%. There is a slight chance of afternoon showers, but major interruptions appear unlikely. Cloud cover could assist seam movement early, while evening humidity may bring dew into play.
Broadcast Details
The Australia vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network. Digital streaming will be available on JioHotstar, providing live commentary, match statistics, highlights, and expert analysis throughout the contest.
Toss Prediction
Given the strong chasing record at Colombo and possible dew later in the game, teams are likely to prefer bowling first. Captains may aim to restrict the opposition to under 170 and chase comfortably under lights.
Toss Winner Prediction: Zimbabwe
Likely Decision: Bowl First
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For Australia, Travis Head remains the most probable top scorer due to his explosive strike rate in powerplays. Glenn Maxwell could dominate middle overs with aggressive stroke play. Marcus Stoinis is another key contributor in death overs.
For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza is the backbone of the batting lineup and their most dependable performer. Brian Bennett can provide steady starts.
With the ball, Adam Zampa is likely to exploit middle overs on Colombo’s spin-friendly surface. Nathan Ellis’ slower balls make him dangerous at the death. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani’s pace and Brad Evans’ wicket-taking consistency offer their best bowling hopes.
Match Prediction
Australia possess superior squad depth, ICC tournament experience, and stronger recent form. Zimbabwe must deliver an exceptional collective performance to challenge them.
Match Prediction: Australia Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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