T20 World Cup 2026: ‘There are no young quicks who can bowl 140+ in Australia?’ – Irfan Pathan analyses Australia’s lacklustre outing vs Sri Lanka

Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan and Aakash Chopra dissected Australia’s disappointing performance against Sri Lanka, which has all but ended their hopes of reaching the Super-Eight stage in the T20 World Cup 2026.

On Monday, February 16, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Australia got off to a blistering start as openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh posted a 104-run stand inside nine overs. However, a phenomenal performance from the Sri Lankan spinners derailed the Aussie innings. The 2021 T20 World Cup champions were eventually bowled out for 181.

Sri Lanka raced to the target in just 18 overs, with eight wickets in the bank. Pathum Nissanka starred with the bat as he slammed an unbeaten century. Kusal Mendis also chipped in with a gritty fifty to help Sri Lanka qualify for the Super-Eights.

However, Australia will have to hope that Ireland beat Zimbabwe on Tuesday. If the African nation get the better of Ireland, Australia will be eliminated.

Pathan opined that Australia are missing Josh Hazlewood’s services, as the veteran pacer was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. The former India all-rounder also asked if there are no bowlers in Australia who can bowl at speeds of over 140 kph.

“Australia was clearly missing Josh Hazlewood. Also, there are no young quicks who can bowl 140+ in Australia?” Pathan asked on ‘X’.

Australia’s exit might be confirmed by 6 pm tomorrow: Aakash Chopra

Injury ruled out not just Hazlewood but his compatriot Pat Cummins. While Aakash Chopra acknowledged that Australia’s bowling attack is weak, he questioned the batting depth, highlighting the batters’ debacles against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

“Yes, it’s the weakest Australian bowling attack to play in a World Cup…but what about the batting depth? Couldn’t chase vs Zim. Scored 6 runs in the last 2 overs tonight. Australia’s exit might be confirmed by 6pm tomorrow. They need the world famous ‘Kudrat Ka Nizaam’ (the law of the nature) to stay alive,” Chopra wrote on X.

Sri Lanka have consolidated their position at the top of the table in Group B with the win against Australia. They now have three wins from as many matches in the tournament.

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