The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 continues with an important Group B clash as Sri Lanka face Oman in Match 16 on February 12 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy. The match will start at 11:00 AM IST, with the toss scheduled for 10:30 AM.
Sri Lanka have started their campaign on a positive note and will look to strengthen their position in the points table. However, the team has suffered a major setback as star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Oman, on the other hand, will enter the match with nothing to lose and will be hoping to create an upset against the co-hosts.
With Group B featuring strong teams like Australia, Zimbabwe and Ireland, every match is crucial as only the top two teams will qualify for the Super 8 stage.
Match Details
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Oman, Match 16 |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | 12 February 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM IST (Toss: 10:30 AM) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar (App & Website) |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
Also see: SL vs OMN Dream11 Prediction Today Match 16th
Sri Lanka Team Preview
Sri Lanka will go into the match with confidence after winning their opening game. Playing at home gives them an added advantage, especially on pitches that support their strong spin attack.
The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga is a big loss, but the team still has quality options like Maheesh Theekshana and other spin-bowling all-rounders to control the middle overs. The batting unit will rely heavily on Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and skipper Dasun Shanaka to post a strong total.
If Sri Lanka’s top order provides a solid start, they will remain firm favourites to dominate the contest.
Oman Team Preview
Oman enter the match as underdogs but have shown in recent games that they can challenge stronger teams. Their strength lies in disciplined bowling and experienced campaigners like Jatinder Singh and Aqib Ilyas.
Fast bowler Bilal Khan will be key with the new ball, while the spinners will try to slow the game down in the middle overs. Oman best chance of success will be to pick early wickets and keep Sri Lanka’s scoring rate under control.
SL vs OMN Head-to-Head (T20Is)
| Matches Played | Sri Lanka Won | Oman Won |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 |
Sri Lanka have a clear advantage in the limited meetings between the two teams. Oman will be aiming to register their first win against the former T20 world champions.
Also see: SL vs OMN Toss Prediction Match 16th T20 World Cup 2026
Pallekele Pitch Report
The surface at Pallekele is generally balanced, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. Pacers can expect some movement and bounce with the new ball, especially in the early overs. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into the game.
The average first-innings score at this venue is around 160–180, but teams can push beyond 190 with strong batting performances. Due to the slightly slowing nature of the pitch, teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first and put pressure on the opposition with a big total.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Hemantha.
Oman
Kashyap Prajapati, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Shoaib Khan, Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan, Khalid Kail (c), Fayyaz Butt, Bilal Khan, Kaleemullah, Shakeel Ahmed.
Players to Watch
Sri Lanka:
Kusal Mendis’ aggressive batting at the top, Maheesh Theekshana’s control in the middle overs and Matheesha Pathirana’s death bowling will be crucial.
Oman:
Bilal Khan with the new ball, Aqib Ilyas’ all-round ability and the experience of Jatinder Singh could play a key role if Oman are to challenge Sri Lanka.
Key Match Scenario
- A score of 170+ could be a match-winning total at this venue.
- Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their spin control and home conditions.
- Oman need early wickets and disciplined bowling to stay in the game.
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka start as strong favourites due to their experience, home advantage and balanced squad, even without Hasaranga. If they bat first and post a total above 170, it will be difficult for Oman to chase. However, Oman have the ability to surprise if their bowlers strike early and their top order plays a fearless game.
This Group B contest promises an interesting battle between a major cricketing nation and a determined associate side, making it a must-watch encounter for T20 World Cup fans.
