The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo braces for a high-stakes Super 8 encounter where two sides at opposite ends of the form spectrum collide with their semifinal hopes hanging in the balance. New Zealand’s Super 8 campaign began with a frustrating washout against Pakistan, no result, no points, but no damage either. They remain third in Group 2, very much alive. Their most recent outing was a commanding eight-wicket demolition of Canada, where Glenn Phillips announced his return to form with a breathtaking 76* off 36. Sri Lanka, by contrast, is in crisis. A 51-run defeat to England in their Super 8 opener has left them rooted to the bottom of the table. The batting collapsed for 95, the bowling was taken apart, and questions are being asked. This is a must-win for both sides. History favors New Zealand—they’ve won 16 of 28 meetings, with Sri Lanka taking 11. On a Colombo surface where batting first has won all six World Cup games, the toss could be decisive. But form, momentum, and confidence heavily favor the Kiwis.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
NZ vs SL, Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026 46th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 46th Match, Super 8, Group 2 |
| Date | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 |
| Time | 07:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
NZ vs SL Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
New Zealand
New Zealand are in excellent touch (W, L, W, W, W), with three wins in four completed matches. Their key strength is a deep, explosive batting lineup. Glenn Phillips is in transcendent form (76* off 36 vs Canada). Rachin Ravindra (59* off 39) provides stability. The bowling attack, with Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy, is balanced and wicket-taking. The psychological edge is confidence—they know they can beat anyone.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s form is concerning (L, W, W, W, L), with a demoralizing Super 8 defeat. Their key strength is a world-class spin attack. Dunith Wellalage (3/26 vs England) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/21) formed a lethal partnership. The batting, however, is a major concern, collapsing for 95 against England. Captain Dasun Shanaka (30 off 24) was the lone bright spot. Their realistic objective is to fire collectively and keep their semifinal hopes alive.
NZ vs SL Probable Playing XI
New Zealand Probable XI-
Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
Sri Lanka Probable XI-
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Total Match Played | 28 |
| NZ Won | 16 |
| SL Won | 11 |
| Draw/No Result | 01 |
NZ vs SL Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium surface has traditionally favored batting first—all six World Cup games here have been won by the team setting a total. The pitch is bouncy and fast, but run-scoring is not easy in the early and middle overs. The surface slows as the game progresses, making chasing difficult. A score of 180 is tough to chase. Teams batting first will target 160-170 as competitive.
NZ vs SL Weather Report
The forecast predicts some clouds and a chance of rain, but a full, uninterrupted match is expected. Conditions will be warm and humid, typical for Colombo.
NZ vs SL Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bat first. The trend is unequivocal—all six World Cup games at this venue have been won by the team batting first. Setting a total and defending on a slowing surface is the proven winning formula.
NZ vs SL Match Prediction
This is a must-win for both sides, but New Zealand hold decisive advantages.
New Zealand’s case: They are in red-hot form. Glenn Phillips is striking at will. The batting lineup is deep and explosive. The bowling attack is balanced and wicket-taking. They have the confidence of a commanding win in their last outing and the momentum of three wins in four completed matches.
Sri Lanka’s case: They are playing at home. Their spin attack; Wellalage and Theekshanais world-class and perfectly suited to these conditions. They have the desperation of knowing another loss ends their semifinal hopes. They have nothing to lose, which can be dangerous.
However, Sri Lanka’s batting is a major concern. Collapsing for 95 against England exposed deep-seated vulnerabilities. New Zealand’s attack, with Henry and Ferguson, will exploit those same weaknesses. On a surface where 180 is tough to chase, Sri Lanka’s batting may not have the firepower to compete.
Expect a tense, spin-dominated contest where New Zealand’s superior batting depth and recent form prove decisive. Sri Lanka will compete as Wellalage may weave magic, Shanaka may score but New Zealand’s confidence, depth, and head-to-head advantage should see them secure a vital victory and keep their semifinal hopes firmly alive.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Tim Seifert, Kusal Mendis
- Batters: Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Pathum Nissanka
- All-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Dasun Shanaka, Mitchell Santner
- Bowlers: Matt Henry, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana
Captain (C) Pick: Glenn Phillips,Pathum Nissanka.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Dunith Wellalage, Mitchell Santner.
