Overview:
The Kiwis have played four matches here at this stadium, winning three with one game not having a result. England have featured in three games with two wins and a defeat.
England and New Zealand gear up for Match 49 of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Friday, February 27. The 7:00 pm IST clash will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. This is a key Super 8 Group 2 clash.
New Zealand saw their Super 8s opener against Pakistan get washed out due to rain. Both sides collected a point each. Thereafter, the Kiwis defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs to get to three points. On the other hand, England beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan in successive Super 8s clashes to reach the semis.
A win for New Zealand will help them join England in the last 4 of the competition. If England win, they will finish with six points, which will see New Zealand then depend on the Pakistan versus Sri Lanka result. If Pakistan win, it will depend on the NRR.
This will be a massive contest between two top teams who are seeking paths to glory. England will want to maintain a 100% win record in the Super 8s and enhance their reputation. On the other hand, NZ will be aiming for a win to reach the semis.
New Zealand T20 World Cup squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Cole McConchie, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.
New Zealand will hope to offer quality cricket and put an end to England’s new found run. They have plenty of match winners in their side to upset Harry Brook’s men.
England T20 World Cup squad
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Ben Duckett.
England will be backing their form in the Super 8s and claim another crucial victory. Another victory will mean their confidence will go to another level.
What is the H2H record between England and New Zealand?
The two teams have met 30 times in T20Is. England have won 16 matches compared to New Zealand’s 10. One match was tied, whereas three games didn’t have a result. At the T20 World Cup, the H2H record reads 4-3 in favour of England from 7 matches.
Probable XI of both teams
England probable XI for the match against New Zealand
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook(c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton/Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
New Zealand probable XI for the match against England
Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson/Jacob Duffy.
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo & Key Details of the Stadium
The R. Premadasa Stadium is located in Colombo. It was known as the Khettarama Stadium until 1994. The stadium was established in 1986 and has a capacity of 35,000 people. The stadium hosted the ICC T20 World Cup 2012 final between Sri Lanka and the West Indies. Notably, the stadium recently hosted the ICC Women’s World Cup.
What is the Pitch like at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo?
The R. Premadasa Stadium offers a balanced surface, which is flat in nature but deteriorates as the match progresses. The surface starts favouring spinners as the game wears on. The black-soil wicket provides consistent bounce early but becomes slower and grippier, assisting turn and variable bounce in the middle overs. Pacers get minimal seam or swing, especially under day-night conditions, making it a spinner’s paradise for subcontinental clashes.
Key Stats & Records at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
A total of 54 T20I matches have been played here. The average run rate for teams batting first here is 7.73, as per ESPNcricinfo.
The Kiwis have played four matches here at this stadium, winning three with one game not having a result. England have featured in three games with two wins and a defeat.
Bangladesh own the highest total here, scoring 215/5 versus Sri Lanka in 2018. New Zealand’s best score here is 170/4 versus Sri Lanka in 2009. England’s best total here is 196/5 versus Afghanistan in 2012.
England own the joint-lowest total at this venue (80). NZ’s lowest score here is 141/8 versus the Lankans in 2009.
Kusal Perera owns the most runs here. He has amassed 464 runs at 25.77. Among New Zealand batters, former ace Ross Taylor managed 76 runs from 2 matches. For England, former talisman Jason Roy has 69 runs here from one inning.
Wanindu Haaranga has picked 24 scalps at the R. Premadasa Stadium. As many as 14 bowlers own four-fers here.
ENG vs NZ: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
Colombo is set for good cricketing conditions ahead of the England–New Zealand clash at 7 PM local time. The forecast indicates no rain, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28°C. Humidity levels are expected to be above 75%, while a light breeze of 8–10 km/h should flow through the evening.
ENG vs NZ: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
All things considered, both sides will be up for it on a surface that will help spin once the game progresses. Both teams are expected to go in with heavy spin options. New Zealand will be slightly ahead, given that their overall team is a step ahead of their counterparts.
FAQs – Pitch Report for R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
What is the pitch report for R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The R. Premadasa Stadium offers a balanced surface, which is flat in nature but deteriorates as the match progresses. The surface starts favouring spinners as the game wears on. The black-soil wicket provides consistent bounce early but becomes slower and grippier, assisting turn and variable bounce in the middle overs. Pacers get minimal seam or swing, especially under day-night conditions, making it a spinner’s paradise for subcontinental clashes.
What is England and New Zealand’s record at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo?
The Kiwis have played four matches here at this stadium, winning three with one game not having a result. England have featured in three games with two wins and a defeat.