Sri Lanka will face New Zealand in the 46th match of the Super 8 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The Sri Lankan team didn't have a good start in the Super 8s, losing their first match to England by 51 runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers performed well, restricting England to 146 runs in 20 overs, but their batting completely collapsed, and the team was all out for just 95 runs.

New Zealand, on the other hand, has performed well in this World Cup, winning three of their four matches and finishing second in the Group D points table. Their first Super 8 match, against Pakistan, was abandoned due to rain. This match will be crucial for both teams, as Sri Lanka will look to improve their position with a win, while New Zealand will also move up the points table.

Also Read: SA-W vs PAK-W Today Match Prediction | 2nd ODI – Who Will Win?

No T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal in India? ICC changes schedule in middle of competition

SL vs NZ Match Details

• Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 46th Match

• Date: 25th February 2026

• Time: 7.00 PM IST

• Venue:  R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

SL vs NZ Weather Report

Pitch Report - R. Premadasa Stadium

R Premadasa Stadium is mostly known for its balanced pitch surface, but it tends to favour spin bowlers a bit more as the surface continues to get slower, offering more grip and turn.

• Spin-friendly surface 

• Low-scoring ground

• Quick outfield 

• Large boundaries 

SL vs NZ Recent Form

SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Record (T20I)

• SL Wins - 9

• NZ Wins - 16

Top Batters to Watch – SL vs NZ

• Pathum Nissanka (SL): 208 runs in this tournament 

• Kusal Mendis (SL): 186 runs in this tournament 

• Tim Seifert (NZ): 173 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SL vs NZ

• Maheesh Theekshana (SL): 8 wickets in this tournament 

• Dunith Wellalage (SL): 7 wickets in this tournament 

• Lockie Ferguson (NZ): 4 wickets in this tournament 

SL vs NZ Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SL bats first

• Powerplay Score:45–50

• Predicted Total: 140–150

• Match Result: NZ to win

Scenario 2: If NZ bats first

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 150–160

• Match Result: NZ to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SL vs NZ Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

New Zealand 

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.

Why New Zealand is the favourite

• Experienced top-order

• Good pace bowler 

• Tim Seifert recent form

SL vs NZ Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior batting strength, New Zealand are the favourites to win this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Tim Seifert, Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra are expected to be the key performers.

Winning chances

SL: 40%

NZ: 60%

SL vs NZ Match FAQs