With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 advancing to its sixth day, the co-hosts are finally back up and running. Sri Lanka can only see more success today in a Group B meeting against Oman today at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka vs Oman Forecast: Will the Lions Roar Again in Pallekele?
Match Details:
- Match: Sri Lanka vs Oman, Match 16 (Group B).
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy.
- Time: 11:00 AM IST | 11:00 AM Local. Sri Lanka
The co-host, enter this game full of confidence after a 20-run victory against Ireland. But today when Wanindu Hasaranga, the star leg-spinner, was recently ruled out of the tournament with a severe hamstring injury, they face another major hurdle. He's replaced by Dushan Hemantha, whose first appearance will probably come today.
Oman, on the other hand, is suffering from an awful defeat against Zimbabwe. With its opener coming to a close with just 103 runs in all, “Men in Red” will require a miracle turnaround if it's to remain in the lead against the home rivals.
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast
The Pallekele track has a balance but is prone to supporting spinners as the game goes on. 1st Innings Score (on average): 165–175. Condition: Moisture in the morning could be good for pacers like Matheesha Pathirana, but its dry surface will allow Maheesh Theekshana to grab the ball in the middle overs.
Weather: Overcast, the weather with a 15-20% chance of passing showers. Expect a full 40-over game.
Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera.
Oman : Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Mohammad Nadeem, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Jiten Ramanandi, Sufyan Mehmood, Shakeel Ahmed, Faisal Shah.
Head-to-Head Record
- T20Is Played: 2.
- Sri Lanka Wins: 2.
- Oman Wins: 0.
Note: Oman did defeat a "Sri Lanka A" side in one warm-up earlier this month, so they could have some psychological boost.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
In spite of the huge loss of Hasaranga, Sri Lanka is still the dominant favourite. Their depth in the batting order, especially Kusal Mendis in form, and the “slingy" death bowling of Matheesha Pathirana should be too much for Oman’s struggling top order.
Win Probability:
- Sri Lanka: 85%.
- Oman: 15%.
Final Analysis: Sri Lanka will win comfortably and strengthen their position at the top of Group B.
