World No. 2 T20I side Australia were given a reality check in their final T20 World Cup tune-up where they suffered a crushing 0-3 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan away from home. The series ended in embarrassing fashion for the visitors who were bowled out for 108 and 96 in the last two matches.
The defeats exposed Australia’s long-term struggles against low and slow subcontinental conditions. Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed went through the Australian batting line-up with the visitors unable to adjust to the batting on three occasions. The series raised serious questions about Australia’s balance and preparedness just weeks before the global tournament.
Despite the heavy losses, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting downplayed the significance of the result and backed the team to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“If you look at the team, I think they have as much chance as anybody,” Ponting said while speaking to the ICC.
“India probably started as clear favorites because of the conditions, the talent and the group of players they have put together. They will be hard to beat. But I really think we will see Australia there come semi-final time,” he added.
Australia’s squad was further complicated by injury concerns, with fast bowler Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament. The team also looked into the lack of specialist players in the rotation, with in-form Steve Smith not included.
Ponting admitted injuries remained Australia’s biggest worry ahead of the World Cup, but backed senior all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, along with youngster Cooper Connolly, to shoulder the responsibility.
Australia opened their campaign on February 11 against Ireland. All their group stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka where the surfaces at the R Premadasa and Pallekele stadiums are expected to offer turn and variable bounce.
Australia T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Travel reserve: Sean Abbott
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 3, 2026