NZ vs SL: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Match Overview

• Fixture: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Super Eights Group 2
• Match: 46th Match, Super Eights Group 2
• Date and Time: 25 February 2026, 7:00 PM IST
• Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Match Preview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is a crucial Group 2 encounter. Both teams know that at this stage the match is paving the way for a semi-final berth. A win here could decide their chances of qualifying. There is naturally pressure in the Super Eights and experienced teams usually find a way out.

Sri Lanka come into this match with confidence from their top order. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have provided consistency and pace throughout the tournament. When Sri Lanka start well, they tend to control the tempo of the innings. The conditions in Colombo suit their approach and that gives them a sense of comfort.

Their bowling has often come at the right time, calmly changing the balance when the game seemed to be going their way. Dushmantha Chameera provides pace and early breakthroughs while Matheesha Pathirana creates pressure later in the innings. Sri Lanka understand these situations better than most teams and that knowledge often makes the difference in close matches.

New Zealand come with their usual poise and discipline. They rely on clarity of formation and roles. Glenn Phillips is a key contributor with the bat and can quickly change games when he settles down. Tim Seifert provides an aggressive start and keeps the scoreboard moving.

Their bowling group provides control and reliability. Jacob Duffy has taken important wickets while Mitchell Santner provides composure and precision in the middle overs. New Zealand rarely get out of games because they are patient and stick to plans.

Both sides bring different strengths to this contest. Sri Lanka rely on familiarity and early pace. New Zealand rely on balance and execution. That contrast will make this an interesting contest.

SL vs NZ – Head to Head (T20Is)

Note:

Before the recent international matches, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have played 27 T20 International matches. New Zealand have won 16 matches, Sri Lanka have won 9, 1 match has ended in a tie, and 1 match has ended in a no-result.

SL vs NZ – Squad List

Pitch Report – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Team Analysis

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have a strong top order batting with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. Their pace attack, led by Dushmantha Chameera, has yielded important successes. Playing in familiar conditions gives them a clear advantage.

However, the concern is that the middle order does not always convert strong starts into commanding finishes. Tight moments show their nature, and that will be closely watched. When the top order fires, Sri Lanka look confident and dangerous.

The key players to watch are Kusal Mendis who is the leading run scorer and manages the innings. Pathum Nissanka is an aggressive opener who puts pressure on the bowlers early on. Dushmanth Chameera is a strike fast bowler who can change the game by taking wickets early on. Sri Lanka are dangerous when their top order fires.

Related Post: ENG vs PAK: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

New Zealand

New Zealand have a balanced team with strong all-round depth and experienced players. They have powerful hitters like Glenn Phillips in the middle order who can get up to speed quickly. Tim Seifert gives them an aggressive start in the powerplay.

Their concerns include a sometimes slow start with the bat which can create pressure later on. They also rely on key players in crucial situations.

Glenn Phillips represents their disruptive force, a batsman who is able to change the tempo almost at will. Tim Seifert is an aggressive wicketkeeper batsman who sets the tone early on. Jacob Duffy is a key wicket-taker who provides breakthroughs at crucial times. New Zealand’s structure keeps them competitive in tight games.

Toss Prediction

Since this is a night match in Colombo, the captain may opt to bowl first. Fog can make batting easier in the second innings. Chasing often becomes the safer option in such conditions.

Cricbites Match Prediction

Final Thoughts

This Super Eights match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand promises to be a close contest. Sri Lanka will look to capitalise on home conditions and a strong start from their top order. New Zealand will rely on balance and discipline in the sections.

Both teams understand the value of every point at this stage of the tournament. This awareness often produces tight matches where small moments decide the outcome.

Disclaimer

This preview and prediction is based on the recent form of the current teams and expected conditions. Cricket results may vary depending on the toss, weather and individual performance on the day of the match.

Also Read: ZIM vs WI: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the captain for Sri Lanka in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Dasun Shanaka is the captain for Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Q2. Who is the captain for New Zealand in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Mitchell Santner is the captain for New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Q3. When and what time is SL vs NZ being played?

Sri Lanka will face New Zealand on 25 February 2026. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM.

Q4. Where is the match being played?

The T20 World Cup 2026 match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Q5. What is the match number for SL vs NZ in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

This match is the 46th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is part of the Super Eight Group 2 stage.