T20 World Cup 2026: AUS vs ZIM Today's Match Prediction, Match 19 — Who will win today’s match?
Who will win today’s match between Australia and Zimbabwe, Match 19. (Source: X/@ICC)
Published - 12 Feb 2026, 02:57 PM• Read time - 12 mins
Match Preview
Australia and Zimbabwe clash in Match 19 of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, February 13. Both the teams began their respective campaign with convincing wins - Zimbabwe defeated Oman by eight wickets while Australia won against Ireland by 67 runs.
Australia put up an excellent batting performance, as a team, on the slow and spin-friendly Khettarama wicket. Despite being four down at the halfway mark with 88 runs on the board, the team recovered to post 182. The resilience and doggedness shown by the batting line-up would be one of the positives that the team would bring into this game.
On the bowling front, the bowlers used the conditions to their advantage. The quicks varied the pace while the spinners utilised the turn and grip. Since the Aussies are playing at the same ground the familiarity with the conditions will hold them in good stead for this match.
Zimbabwe displayed a clinical performance at the SSC against Oman and it was led by the pacers. On the whole, the bowlers looked in great touch but they will be up against a formidable opponent on Friday and it will be a test of their character.
When it comes to the batting the openers, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, showed attacking intent and seem to be in good form. Notably, Brendan Taylor, who made an important 31, might be out of the XI for this match due to injury though. Not much else was seen of the batters against Oman but it is a strong batting line-up that Zimbabwe possesses. The question is - will it fire against the mighty Aussies?
Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Group | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Friday, February 13 | Match No. 19, Australia vs Zimbabwe | Group B | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 11 AM |
Venue Statistics (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 61 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 25 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 35 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 143 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 128 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 215/5 (19.4) BAN vs SL |
| Lowest Total Recorded |
80/10 (17.2) AFG vs ENG
|
| Highest Score Chased |
215/5 (19.4) BAN vs SL
|
| Lowest Score Defended | 115/6 (20) SA vs SL |
R Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Moderate | Low | High |
| Bounce | Decent | Satisfactory | Variable at times |
| Movement | Moderate | Minimal swing upfront | More turn after powerplay |
| Best Phase | Powerplay overs | Death overs | Almost throughout |
AUS vs ZIM Head-to-head record (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 3 |
| Australia Wins | 2 |
| Zimbabwe Wins | 1 |
AUS vs ZIM Playing XI Prediction
Australia
Travis Head (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connoll, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Mayers, Brendan Taylor/Clive Madande (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
AUS vs ZIM: Players to watch out for
Brian Bennett (ZIM):
Bennett played a fantastic knock of 48 runs off 36 balls against Oman. The right-hander was fluent throughout the innings and showed promise of more of his deft strokeplay. The all-rounder can also be used as a spin-option given the potential nature of the surface. His off-spin can come in handy. Incidentally, Bennett has six wickets in 15 innings in T20Is.
Adam Zampa (AUS):
The leg spinner enjoyed the conditions on offer on Wednesday and is likely to do the same on Friday. The surface offering grip and bounce can make playing Zampa a tricky affair for the Chevrons. How they manage Zampa's overs will be crucial to their total score. As a matter of fact, the 33-year-old has eight wickets from three innings in Sri Lanka.
Today's Match Prediction: Australia to win.
