The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. While the tournament spans two nations, Group B holds a unique distinction: Winadda it is the only group where every single match will be played exclusively in Sri Lanka.

This group features a fascinating mix of powerhouses and rising stars, including 2021 champions Australia, 2014 champions Sri Lanka, and the ever-dangerous Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.

📅 Group B Match Schedule

All Group B matches will take place between February 8 and February 20, 2026.

Date

Match

Venue

Time (IST)

Feb 8

Sri Lanka vs Ireland

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

7:00 PM

Feb 9

Zimbabwe vs Oman

SSC Ground, Colombo

3:00 PM

Feb 11

Australia vs Ireland

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

3:00 PM

Feb 12

Sri Lanka vs Oman

Pallekele Int. Stadium, Kandy

11:00 AM

Feb 13

Australia vs Zimbabwe

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

11:00 AM

Feb 14

Ireland vs Oman

SSC Ground, Colombo

11:00 AM

Feb 16

Australia vs Sri Lanka

Pallekele Int. Stadium, Kandy

7:00 PM

Feb 17

Ireland vs Zimbabwe

Pallekele Int. Stadium, Kandy

3:00 PM

Feb 19

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

3:00 PM

Feb 20

Australia vs Oman

Pallekele Int. Stadium, Kandy

7:00 PM

🏏 Full Squads for Group B

🇦🇺 Australia

Captain: Mitchell Marsh Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. Reserve: Sean Abbott.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

Captain: Dasun Shanaka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera.

🇮🇪 Ireland

Captain: Paul Stirling Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

Captain: Sikandar Raza Squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.

🇴🇲 Oman

Captain: Jatinder Singh Squad: Jatinder Singh (c), Vinayak Shukla (vc), Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Shah Faisal, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedara, Jiten Ramanandi, Hasnain Ali Shah.

🏟️ The Venues

Sri Lanka will use three iconic grounds to host the Group B encounters:

  1. R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo: Known for its electric atmosphere and spin-friendly tracks, it will host the marquee opening clash between the hosts and Ireland.

  2. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy: Nestled in the scenic hills, this ground often offers a bit more pace and bounce compared to Colombo.

  3. Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo: One of the most historic venues in world cricket, hosting the afternoon fixtures for the group.

🔑 Group B Outlook

  • The Favorites: Australia and Sri Lanka are the heavy favorites to progress to the Super 8s. Australia’s "Big Three" pace attack and explosive batting make them title contenders, while Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their home advantage and mystery spinners.

  • The Dark Horses: Ireland and Zimbabwe both have histories of upsetting major teams. With veteran leaders like Paul Stirling and Sikandar Raza, they won't be easy outs.

  • Oman’s Challenge: As one of the associate nations in the mix, Oman will look to replicate their past heroics where they’ve managed to snatch wins against established sides.