An interesting rivalry is set to take place in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on February 25. This match will be between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the top two contenders to qualify for the semi-finals from Group 2 of the Round of Eight.
Through this article, cricket fans can get information about the possible playing eleven of New Zealand and Sri Lanka. T20 World Cup 2026 co-hosts Sri Lanka enter this round having proved pure dominance in the group stage. The same can be said about New Zealand’s performance in the group stage. They qualified to the eighth round as one of the strongest sides in the competition. Their batsmen in particular did some serious work.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Playing XI-ICC T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert.
Without a doubt, these openers can do serious damage on their day. But they are yet to do so. So far, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, as a duo, have not performed together to the best of their ability. Against Sri Lanka, he will try to prove why he is considered a lethal batsman in the T20 format across the world.
Middle order: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman.
Most teams in the tournament have tried to ensure a deep batting unit. Perhaps the New Zealand team management also tried to do this. But on paper, they lack middle-order firepower compared to India, South Africa or England. Mitchell Santner, mostly known for his spin bowling abilities, can add some runs with the bat as well. Rachin Ravindra’s off form remains a constant threat to the team.
Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry.
Lockie Ferguson started the campaign as a surprise fast bowler. He has pace but needs to be consistent. The same can be said for the rest of the bowlers in the lineup. Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry are proven seamers, but they will need to take wickets quickly against Sri Lanka.
New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs New Zealand-T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara.
Everything looks perfect, just like a well-oiled machine. While Pathum Nissanka may be ready for a long-lasting, aggressive innings, his opening pair, Kamil Mishara, can successfully hold down the other end of the track, making them perfect for each other for the opening slot against New Zealand.
Middle-order: Kusal Mendis(w), Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Velez.
If the bowlers are somehow able to get rid of Pathum Nissanka, the in-form batsman who scored a century against Australia, there will be Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka. If the Kiwi bowlers are not able to strike at the beginning of the match, then they will have to work hard to bring themselves back into the competition.
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
The Sri Lankan team may suffer losses due to Mathisha Pathirana’s exit, but they have an alternative in the form of Dilshan Madushanka. Not a like-for-like replacement, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise. Dilshan Madushanka and Mahesh Theekshana can bowl some good overs from both ends to slow down the run rate of the opposition team and also take some wickets.
Sri Lanka’s playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellelage, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
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