AUS vs OMN: Why did Steve Smith miss T20 World Cup 2026 match 40?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Steve Smith was added late into the Australia’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026 as a replacement of injured Josh Hazlewood.
Australian Cricket Team are up against the Oman Cricket Team in their last league game of the T20 World Cup 2026. The clash between the two teams is underway at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Friday, February 20.
In what was the biggest surprise in this T20 World Cup 2026, Australia got eliminated in the league stage itself after losing to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. With Australia vs Oman being their last game in the tournament, they would be keen to win and finish on a high.
On the other hand, Oman have been disappointing as well in the tournament. With their captain issuing warning to Australia, they too would want to pull an upset and end their campaign on a high.
Why did Steve Smith miss AUS vs OMN match of T20 World Cup 2026?
Smith, who was officially named as the replacement for Josh Hazlewood in the squad, was expected to play in AUS vs OMN clash, especially with Australia being eliminated. However, yet again there was no place for him in the XI.
Smith potentially was not picked as Marsh made a comeback to the XI in last game, which left no place in the top-order. Earlier, he was called to Sri Lanka as a cover for Marsh, who missed the first two games due to groin injury.
Smith was in a red-hot form in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, where he played for Sydney Sixers. He slammed 299 runs in six innings at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97, to go with one hundred as well.
AUS vs OMN: Playing XI’s
Oman (Playing XI): Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh(c), Karan Sonavale, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Mohammad Nadeem, Vinayak Shukla(w), Jiten Ramanandi, Jay Odedra, Shakeel Ahmed, Shafiq Jan
Australia (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis(w), Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
Was Steve Smith picked in AUS vs OMN clash?
No, Smith was not picked in AUS vs OMN game of T20 World Cup 2026.
Who captained Australia in T20 World Cup 2026?
Mitchell Marsh captained Australia in T20 World Cup 2026.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.