New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction, T20 World Cup 2026: Who Will Win?
New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in a crucial T20 World Cup 2026 clash. Here’s a detailed match prediction, team analysis, and who could come out on top in this high-stakes encounter.
Last Updated: 11.51 PM, Feb 24, 2026
New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match in the Super 8 clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match is on February 25 and it will start at 7 PM IST. Sri Lanka lost their first match against England. They couldn't even put up 100 runs on the board and it was an embarrasing defeat. This game becomes extremely important for them now.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's first game ended up being abandoned due to rain. Hence, this encounter will be their must-win match now that England have already qualified for the semi-finals. Now, only one team can make it to the knockouts in between Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
Match Details
Match: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Match 46
Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 7 PM IST
Where to watch New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match?
Cricket fans in India can watch the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, with slight assistance for spinners as the match progresses. Pacers may get some early movement with the new ball, but the surface tends to slow down in the middle overs, making stroke play challenging. The average T20 score at this venue ranges between 155-170, indicating a competitive total rather than a high-scoring encounter
Head-to-Head Record
Matches played: 31
NZ won: 21
SL won: 9
No result: 1
NZ vs SL Probable Playing XI
New Zealand
Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Key Players to Watch
New Zealand
1. Glenn Phillips: Glenn Phillips brings explosive middle-order firepower for New Zealand with his aggressive strokeplay and ability to accelerate quickly. His part-time off-spin and sharp fielding add valuable balance in crucial T20 World Cup encounters.
2. Mitchell Santner: Mitchell Santner leads New Zealand with calm authority and contributes with his accurate left-arm spin. His ability to control the middle overs and chip in with crucial runs makes him a vital all-round option.
Sri Lanka
1. Kusal Mendis: Kusal Mendis is a key top-order batter for Sri Lanka, capable of anchoring the innings or accelerating when required. His wicketkeeping duties and experience provide stability in high-pressure T20 World Cup matches.
2. Maheesh Theekshana: Maheesh Theekshana offers Sri Lanka a potent spin threat with his mystery variations. His control in the powerplay and middle overs makes him a crucial weapon against aggressive batting line-ups like New Zealand.