Can current T20 World Cup co-hosts Sri Lanka continue their dominance in the tournament? Their match against New Zealand will help in finding the answer.
This article provides a detailed prediction for the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match for the eighth round. It also includes pitch reports, key match statistics and best performing players, including probable playing XI and match winning probabilities.
NZ vs SL Match Prediction: Who will win the 46th match of ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
Match Details: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Round 8, T20 World Cup 2026.
Match: T20 World Cup 2026, Match No. 46
Date: Wednesday, February 25
Time: 7.00 pm Indian time
Location: Colombo R. Premadasa Stadium.
Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Live telecast: Star Sports Network
NZ vs SL head-to-head record:
According to ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have played 28 T20 matches together. New Zealand managed to win 16 and Sri Lanka only 9, with 2 matches tied and one match without a result.
NZ vs SL Pitch Report and Conditions:
R of Colombo. The pitch at Premadasa Stadium traditionally offers a spin-friendly wicket. In this match, two batsmen may have to rely on their technique to counter the spinners. There is no possibility of seeing a high scoring match.
NZ vs SL Weather Report:
According to the weather forecast at present, there will be no possibility of rain. It may be partly cloudy on 25th February. As of now, mostly sunny weather and clear nights are expected.
New Zealand vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 Probable XI:
Sri Lanka’s probable playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellelage, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
New Zealand’s 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 Effect:
The toss will be very important considering the weather, as the match will be held in the evening. The one batting for the first time may choose to bowl first.
Form and Fitness:
There has been no confirmation from the New Zealand camp about any injury or fitness related problem. For Sri Lanka, Mathisha Pathirana has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury. It is expected that Wanindu Hasaranga will replace him.
NZ vs SL Score Prediction:
Both teams have some very talented batsmen, but the pitch can be a bit tricky. So a score of more than 200 is not impossible. There will be a total of 180 challenges for the competition.
NZ vs SL Players Performance Prediction:
Sri Lanka’s key players: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera and Mahesh Theekshana.
New Zealand’s key players: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson.
NZ vs SL: Best Batsman Prediction:
SL: Pathum Nissanka or Kusal Mendis.
New Zealand: Finn Allen or Tim Seifert.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Best Bowler Prediction:
SL: Dushmantha Chameera or Mahesh Theekshana.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner or Lockie Ferguson.
Conclusion: Who will win NZ vs SL T20 World Cup match?
On the basis of overall statistics, New Zealand is far ahead of Sri Lanka. But in the current tournament, Sri Lanka seems to be more dominant than New Zealand. Sri Lanka may get a slight advantage in defeating the Kiwi team on home soil.
read more: Mathisha Pathirana out of T20 World Cup 2026, surprising comeback of Wanindu Hasaranga
