Sri Lanka will take on New Zealand in Match 46 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight stage on February 25 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Sri Lanka enter this important contest after suffering a tough defeat in their opening Super Eight match against England. The hosts struggled while chasing and were bowled out cheaply in spin-friendly conditions, which also affected their net run rate. They will now aim for a strong comeback in front of home fans to stay alive in the semifinal race. On the other hand, New Zealand’s first Super Eight game against Pakistan was abandoned due to continuous rain without a single ball being bowled. The Black Caps shared points from that match but had earlier shown excellent form in the group stage, winning three of their four matches.

SL vs NZ: Weather Report

The weather in Colombo for the night match is expected to remain mostly clear with temperatures around 25°C. There is nearly a 25% chance of rain, but thunderstorms are unlikely during match hours. Moderate winds and limited cloud cover are predicted, giving good hopes for a full 40-over contest without major interruptions.

SL vs NZ: R Premadasa Stadium Stats (T20Is)

• Matches played: 53
• Average first-innings score: 151
• Average second-innings score: 132
• Teams winning batting first: 47%
• Teams winning bowling first: 51%
• Highest total: 215/5 (BAN vs SL)
• Lowest total: 80/10 (AFG vs ENG)
• Highest chase: 215/5 (BAN vs SL)
• Lowest total defended: 115/6 (SL vs SA)
  

See Also: SL vs NZ Today Match Prediction – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8, 46th Match | Who Will Win?

SL vs NZ: Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

New Zealand (NZ):

Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson