<p><em>The reigning champions face an Oman side reeling from two heavy defeats. Can Australia find their rhythm in Kandy?</em></p> <p>Australia's campaign has been anything but smooth sailing. A 67-run demolition of Ireland was followed by a shock loss to Zimbabwe, and now the reigning champions find themselves searching for consistency.</p> <p>Oman arrive in Kandy with two heavy defeats and a net run rate of -4.306, making this a must-win for both sides, albeit for vastly different reasons.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition: </strong>ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group B</li> <li><strong>Venue: </strong>Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka</li> <li><strong>Date: </strong>Friday, February 20, 2026 (Saturday, February 21 AEDT)</li> <li><strong>Start Time: </strong>12:30 AM AEDT (Saturday)</li> </ul> <h2>Australia vs Oman Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>These teams have met just once in T20 internationals, with Australia claiming a comfortable 39-run victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Marcus Stoinis dominated that encounter, smashing an unbeaten 67 and claiming 3/19 with the ball.</p> <p>Australia's current tournament form reads one win from two. Their opening victory over Ireland saw Nathan Ellis bag 4/12, while the Zimbabwe upset exposed familiar fragility when chasing.</p> <p>Oman have shipped 105 runs to Sri Lanka and 96 runs to Ireland in consecutive losses, with their batting unit folding for 120 and 139 respectively.</p> <h2>Marsh's Fitness and Oman's Bowling Hopes</h2> <p>Australia's squad concerns centre on captain Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out with internal testicular bleeding sustained in training. His return timeline remains unclear.</p> <p>Tim David is recovering from a hamstring strain, though Australia's pace attack will need to step up without several key players ruled out through injury. Matt Renshaw has scored 120 runs in the tournament for Australia.</p> <p>Oman captain Aqib Ilyas will need his key performers to step up. Mohammad Nadeem has been the standout with an unbeaten 53 against Sri Lanka, while Bilal Khan's 110 T20I wickets make him the obvious threat with the ball. Shakeel Ahmad showed promise with early breakthroughs against Ireland.</p> <h2>Australia vs Oman Betting Markets</h2> <p>The gulf in quality between these sides is clear, and the markets reflect that reality. Australia enter as overwhelming favourites, with Oman's tournament struggles suggesting this could be a one-sided affair.</p> <p>For the latest Australia vs Oman odds and markets, check out our dedicated <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket">cricket betting odds</a> page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>Winning margin markets look particularly interesting given Oman's batting collapses. They've been bowled out for 120 and 139 in their two matches, while Australia's attack should exploit those weaknesses on a Pallekele surface that is generally balanced, typically offering assistance to spinners as the match progresses.</p> <h2>Australia vs Oman Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>Australia look set to secure a comprehensive victory here, with a winning margin of 40 runs or more firmly on the cards.</p> <p>The numbers paint a clear picture. Oman's net run rate of -4.306 tells the story of a side outclassed at this level, while their batting has failed to reach 150 in either tournament outing. Australia's bowling depth, even with injury concerns elsewhere in the squad, should prove far too potent.</p> <p>Pallekele's pitch is generally balanced, typically offering assistance to spinners as the match progresses, which favours Australia's varied attack over Oman's limited batting options.</p> <p>While Bilal Khan may trouble Australia's top order briefly, the class gap should tell once the Aussies settle.</p> <p>The only previous meeting between these teams resulted in a 39-run margin, and Australia appear capable of exceeding that cushion against an Oman side struggling for answers.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup">Your complete guide to betting on the ICC Cricket World Cup</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/cricket-scoring-explained">Overs, wickets, and runs — how cricket scoring actually works</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/cricket-dls-method-explained">The DLS method: cricket's most confusing rule finally makes sense</a></li> </ul>