Overview:
Sri Lanka, playing in familiar conditions, have the resources to challenge them, but will need to deliver a disciplined all-round effort to stay competitive.
New Zealand are set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in Match 46 of the Super Eight stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the clash scheduled at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 25.
New Zealand’s Super Eight clash with Pakistan in Colombo was abandoned due to rain. It impacted their momentum after a dominant first-round run that saw them secure three victories from four outings.
Sri Lanka enter this contest on the back of a crushing 51-run loss to England in their Super Eight opener. Chasing on a surface that increasingly assisted the slow bowlers, they folded without much resistance. The defeat has already dented their net run rate, leaving the co-host with little margin for error.
SL vs NZ Match Details
| Fixture | SL vs NZ: 46th Match, T20World Cup 2026 |
| Date | February 25th, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Toss time | 6:30 PM IST |
| Ground | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
SL vs NZ head-to-head records in T20I
| Matches Played | NZ | SL | No Result |
| 28 | 16 | 11 | 1 |
Pitch Report
Across five games at this ground, scoreboard pressure has proved decisive. Teams defending totals have prevailed on four occasions, while just a solitary chase has been completed.
SL vs NZ Probable Best Performers
Key batter to watch out for: Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka is Sri Lanka’s trump card heading into the clash against New Zealand. The opener has piled up 208 runs from five outings at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 154.07. With a century and a fifty already under his belt, he has provided solidity in the batting department.
Key bowler to watch out for: Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner could well be New Zealand’s X-factor with the ball in their upcoming fixture. The left-arm spinner hasn’t enjoyed the best returns so far, managing just one wicket across four appearances. However, with conditions expected to grip and turn, the skipper will view this as an opportunity to make a bigger impact.
SL vs NZ Match Prediction ICC T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand enter the contest as slight favourites, backed by their balanced lineup and steady performances so far. Sri Lanka, playing in familiar conditions, have the resources to challenge them, but will need to deliver a disciplined all-round effort to stay competitive.
SL vs NZ Probable XIs
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, James Neesham, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dilshan Madushanka