New Zealand and Sri Lanka meet in a crucial Super Eights encounter as both sides look to revive momentum in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Match 46 in Colombo carries added significance, with points and net run rate both in sharp focus.
Match details
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST, 6:30 PM PST, 1:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
New Zealand
New Zealand enter this fixture still searching for a decisive start to their Super Eights campaign. Their opening match against Pakistan in Colombo ended in frustration after persistent rain forced an abandonment without a ball bowled, leaving the Black Caps with a single point. Prior to that, New Zealand enjoyed a solid group-stage run, winning three of their four matches and showing balance across departments. The washed-out opener means they now need results quickly to stay on track for the semifinals, making this clash an important opportunity to regain momentum.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka come into the match under pressure following a heavy 51-run defeat to England in their first Super Eights outing. Batting in challenging conditions, they struggled against spin and were bowled out cheaply, a result that significantly dented their net run rate. As hosts, Sri Lanka remain aware of local conditions, but they need a strong response to keep their semifinal hopes alive. This fixture effectively shapes up as a must-win encounter for them.
Key players
New Zealand will again rely on their all-round depth to control the game. The batting unit features aggressive options at the top and stability through the middle, while the bowling attack offers pace and spin variety. Mitchell Santner, despite a quiet tournament so far, remains central to New Zealand’s plans, especially on a surface expected to assist spinners.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka continues to stand out as the batting mainstay. His consistency at the top has provided Sri Lanka with competitive starts throughout the tournament. The spin department will also play a key role as Sri Lanka look to exploit familiar conditions and apply pressure in the middle overs.
Head-to-head record
New Zealand hold a clear advantage over Sri Lanka in T20 internationals. The two sides have faced each other 28 times, with New Zealand winning 16 matches and Sri Lanka securing nine victories. Three encounters ended in ties or no results. Their first T20 meeting dates back to December 2, 2006, while the most recent fixture was played on January 2, 2025.
Pitch report
R Premadasa Stadium has hosted five matches in the tournament so far. Teams batting first have won four of those encounters, while only one match has been won by the chasing side. Despite this record, captains have often preferred to chase, and that trend is expected to continue. The surface has offered notable assistance to spinners, particularly as the match progresses, making middle-overs control a decisive factor.
Probable match scenarios
If New Zealand bat first, they will aim to post a competitive total by managing spin carefully and accelerating late. Sri Lanka, while chasing, will depend on a strong start from the top order to keep the required rate under control. If Sri Lanka bat first, New Zealand’s spinners will look to exploit conditions early and restrict scoring through the middle overs.
Probable playing XIs
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
In Pakistan, viewers can watch live coverage on PTV Sports and A Sports, with digital streaming available on official platforms.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Go will provide live coverage.
In Australia, fans can stream the match live on Prime Video.
Global viewers can follow the match through official ICC broadcast partners and regional digital platforms carrying the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Match prediction
New Zealand arrive with steadier form from the earlier stages, while Sri Lanka face pressure after a heavy defeat. With conditions in Colombo favoring disciplined bowling and spin, the side that sets the target could gain an edge. Based on venue trends and match context, the team batting first holds a slight advantage in this contest.
