Will Steve Smith Play against Sri Lanka

Will Steve Smith Play Australia's Must-Win Match Against Sri Lanka?

Arun Das

Modified - Feb 16, 2026, 09:16 AM

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Australia will take on Sri Lanka in the 30th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on February 16 in Pallekele. It's a do-or-die match for Australia since they lost their last encounter against Zimbabwe. If they lose today's game, qualification for the Super 8 stage will become difficult.

Meanwhile, the Aussies have added Steve Smith to their squad ahead of the crucial clash as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood. Smith was already in Sri Lanka as a travel reserve, ever since Mitchell Marsh was injured. This raised a huge question among the fans: Will Steve Smith play today? The Australian selectors have maintained silence as of now.

Will Steve Smith Play Against Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2026?

Australia are in the middle of a crisis where they have to get everything right in order to stay in the tournament. Bringing in Steve Smith has certainly strengthened the team, and it's likely that he can play against Sri Lanka since he has been added to the squad just before this match.

The reports suggest that Mitchell Marsh, one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world and Australia's captain, is likely to play today as well. Since there are a no. of injury issues, Smith might get a chance to be in the Playing 11 for this match. His experience will provide a huge boost to Australia, who have been dented with several injury concerns recently.

Marsh is yet to play a match in the tournament so far as he sustained a groin injury before the start of their first game against Ireland. In his absence, Travis Head is leading the team. If we look at Australia's qualifications scenario, they must win this game to stay alive in this tournament.

Where will Steve Smith Bat for Australia?

Steve Smith, one of the best batsmen in the world, has finally made his way back into the squad. But the question around his inclusion in the playing XI for the AUS vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 still remains unanswered. Given a no. of injury concerns, he might be given the No. 3 slot with Marsh and Head to open the batting, if the former plays.

Smith has played in 67 T20Is so far in which he has scored 1094 runs at an average of 24.86. His T20I numbers might not look that good but he has shown some excellent recent form and hunger in the last few games.