New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Prediction & Match Preview – T20 World Cup 46th Match
Match summary
New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in Colombo in the 2026 T20 World Cup Super 8s. Our preview covers form, key players, pitch, weather and a verdict.
Match details
| Match | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 46th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | 25 Feb 2026 |
| Start time | 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm local |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | New Zealand |
| Toss pick | Sri Lanka |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Sri Lanka had a difficult start to the Super 8 stage, losing by 51 runs to England. Chasing 147, they were dismissed for 95, with five wickets down inside the powerplay. Pathum Nissanka, who had 208 runs in five innings before this, made 9 off 8 balls, Kamil Mishara 6, and Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake also fell early. Captain Dasun Shanaka’s 30 off 24 was the main resistance.
The bowlers had restricted England to 146 for 9. Dunith Wellalage took 3 for 26 to reach seven tournament wickets, Maheesh Theekshana claimed 2 for 21 and leads the side with eight, and Dilshan Madushanka, replacing the injured Matheesha Pathirana, took 2 for 25.
New Zealand, meanwhile, had their first Super 8 game against Pakistan washed out in Colombo and shared a point. They reached this stage as runners-up in Group D behind South Africa with three wins in four. Tim Seifert has 173 runs at a strike rate of nearly 168 and Finn Allen 137 at close to 178, while Glenn Phillips has made 119 in three innings at over 185.
Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell have added depth. In the attack, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry have four wickets each and Jacob Duffy three, while captain Mitchell Santner has just one wicket in three games and is looking for rhythm.
The Premadasa surface is generally slow and low, with spinners benefiting as the game progresses. Early batting is possible for those who are patient, though timing can be awkward. As it wears, cutters and slower balls become effective, and seamers who vary their pace do best. Dew can slightly help chasing sides at night.
At 7:00 pm on 25 February Colombo is expected to be warm and humid with partly cloudy skies and evening temperatures around 29–31°C. A light breeze offers little relief, and the chance of rain during match hours is low, although isolated showers earlier in the day are possible.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–175 | – |
| Second innings | 150–170 | – |
New Zealand
New Zealand’s fast-scoring top order and all-round attack are stronger on paper than a Sri Lanka side that was bowled out for 95 in its last outing.
Toss pick: Sri Lanka
FAQ
What happened to Sri Lanka in their last match?
They lost by 51 runs to England, bowled out for 95 chasing 147 after five wickets fell in the powerplay.
Why was New Zealand’s first Super 8 game not completed?
Their match against Pakistan in Colombo was washed out, so the sides shared a point.
Who are New Zealand’s leading scorers?
Tim Seifert has 173 runs in four innings and Finn Allen 137, together hitting 15 sixes.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
New Zealand
- Tim Seifert
- Finn Allen
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillipswk
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mark Chapman
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Santnerc
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Henry
- Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Perera
- Kusal Mendiswk
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanakac
- Dunith Wellalage
- Dushan Hemantha
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Dilshan Madushanka