T20 World Cup 2026: AUS vs ZIM pitch report and Colombo Stadium key stats

Australia will face Zimbabwe in Match 19 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with both sides looking to build on winning starts to their campaigns. Australia head into the contest with some concern over captain Mitchell Marsh’s fitness after he missed the victory over Ireland, but the squad showed its depth with a dominant all-round performance. The bowling unit, led by Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, will again be key, while the batting group will expect stronger contributions from Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after a convincing win over Oman. Their pace trio of Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava has been impressive, and Sikandar Raza’s all-round presence adds balance to the XI. With Brendan Taylor nursing a niggle and Ryan Burl waiting in the wings, Zimbabwe possess enough firepower to test Australia in what promises to be a competitive clash. 

Australia vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 R Premadasa Stadium pitch report

The weather in Colombo is expected to remain clear with no threat of rain. The pitch at R Premadasa Stadium proved to be slow and favourable for spin during the opening match between Australia and Zimbabwe. Australia’s victory while batting first broke an eight-match streak at this venue, where the chasing team had been dominant since 2021. The trend of chasing teams winning had been consistent until this match, making Australia's win while setting a total a significant development.

T20 World Cup 2026 AUS vs IRE: Head-to-head stats at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Australia and Zimbabwe will play their first match against each other at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Before this, they played three games against each other, out of which Australia have won and Zimbabwe emerged victorious on one occasion.

Most recent T20I match at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

The most recent T20I match played at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, was Match 14 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Australia and Ireland.

Australia, batting first, posted 182 for 6. In reply, Ireland were bundled out for 115, handing Australia a big 67-run win.

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo: Key T20I stats 

R Premadasa Stadium key T20I stats
Total Matches	61
Matches won batting first	25
Matches won bowling first	35
Average 1st innings Score	142
Average 2nd innings Score	128
Highest total recorded	215/5 (19.4 Ovs) by BAN vs SL
Lowest total recorded	80/10 (17.2 Ovs) by AFG vs ENG
Highest score chased	215/5 (19.4 Ovs) by BAN vs SL
Lowest score defended	115/6 (20 Ovs) by RSA vs SL