Can Sri Lanka, the co-host of the ongoing T20 World Cup, continue their domination in the tournament? Their match against New Zealand will help to find out the answer.
This article provides a detailed prediction for the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match for the Round of Eight. It also consists of the pitch report, key match statistics, and best probable performers, which also include probable playing XIs and match-winning probabilities.
NZ vs SL Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 46th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
Match Details: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Round of Eight, T20 World Cup 2026.
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Match: T20 World Cup 2026, Match Number 46
Date: Wednesday, February 25
Time: 7.00 PM IST
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network
NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Record:
According to ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka and New Zealand played together in 28 T20Is. New Zealand managed to win 16, and Sri Lanka only 9, along with 2 ties and one match with no result.
NZ vs SL Pitch Report & Conditions:
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo traditionally offers a spin-friendly wicket. In this match, two batters may have to depend on their techniques to counter the spinners. A high-scoring match is unlikely to be seen.
NZ vs SL Weather Report:
According to weather predictions for now, there will be no chance of rain. Partly cloudy skies can be seen on February 25. As of now, mostly sunny weather and a clear night sky are predicted.
NZ vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 probable XIs:
Sri Lanka probable Playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
New Zealand playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry.
Toss Impact:
The toss will be very crucial because of the weather, as the match will be held during the evening hours. Batting first time can choose to bowl first.
Form and Fitness:
There is no confirmation about any injury or fitness-related issues from the New Zealand camp. For Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the remaining part of the tournament due to injury. Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to take his place.
NZ vs SL score Prediction:
Both of the teams have some highly talented batters, but the pitch also can also be a bit tricky. So a score over 200 is not impossible. A total of 180 will be challenging for the contest.
NZ vs SL Players to Perform Prediction:
SL Key Players: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Maheesh Theekshana.
NZ Key Players: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Lockie Ferguson.
NZ vs SL: Best Batter Prediction:
SL: Pathum Nissanka or Kusal Mendis.
NZ: Finn Allen or Tim Seifert.
SL vs NZ Best Bowler Prediction:
SL: Dushmantha Chameera or Maheesh Theekshana.
NZ: Mitchell Santner or Lockie Ferguson.
Conclusion: Who Will Win the NZ vs SL T20 World Cup Match?
On the basis of the overall stats, New Zealand is way ahead of Sri Lanka. But in the ongoing tournament, Sri Lanka looked more dominant than New Zealand. On home soil, Sri Lanka may have a slight advantage to take down the Kiwis.
Read More: Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026, Wanindu Hasaranga to make shock return