Colombo is set for high-voltage T20 action as Sri Lanka takes on New Zealand in the thirty-sixth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. R. The clash at the Premadasa Stadium promises intensity, with both sides aiming to consolidate their campaigns in the evening lights on the 25th.th February 7:00 PM IST.
Get the best SL vs NZ Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI and match insight for 46.th ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match. Expert analysis and more.
Also read: Rinku Singh returns home in the middle of T20 World Cup
SL vs NZ Match Preview:
Survival will dominate the story when Sri Lanka takes on New Zealand in the forty-sixth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Furthermore, this Group 2 Super 8 competition will be played at the R.K. Stadium in Colombo at 7:00 PM IST. The match will begin at the Premadasa Stadium, where both the teams will have to respond decisively. The Colombo pitch generally provides an even contest early on; However, its gradual turn in the middle overs often strengthens the home team’s spin attack. Therefore, the captain may prefer to chase, especially since dew often affects control during the second innings.
Sri Lanka are currently at the bottom of the Group 2 standings after a heavy 51-run defeat to England in their first match. In contrast, New Zealand have one point without bowling a single ball due to the match against Pakistan being abandoned due to rain. Furthermore, Sri Lanka faced a dramatic batting collapse of 95 runs in their previous match, which increased the pressure on the lineup. As a result, they must win to stay in the competition, while New Zealand aim to claim their first outright win of this stage and pull away from their rivals.
Dasun Shanaka struggled with 30 in the last outing, and Dunith Velez took 3 for 26 to restrict England to 146 runs before the target was reached. Meanwhile, Glenn Phillips scored an unbeaten 76 off 36 balls to lead New Zealand to victory in the previous match against Canada and Matt Henry along with Jacob Duffy delivered disciplined spells. Historically, New Zealand leads the rivalry 13-9 in 22 T20Is. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka’s familiarity with the local conditions ensures that a tough fight awaits in Colombo.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head record:
|
teams |
win the match |
|
Sri Lanka |
9 |
|
new zealand |
13 |
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Weather and Pitch Report:
|
temperature |
28°C |
|
weather forecast |
cloudy |
|
pitch behavior |
batting friendly |
|
Best suited for |
motion |
|
Average score of first innings |
163 |
Records of chasing teams:
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Playing 11 (Expected):
Sri Lanka playing 11:
1) Pathum Nissanka
2) Kamil Mishara/Kusal Perera
3) Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper)
4) Pawan Ratnayake
5) Dunith Welles
6) Kamindu Mendis
7) Dasun Shanaka ©
8) Dushan Hemantha
9) Dushmantha Chameera
10) Mahesh Dikshana
11) Dilshan Madushanka
new zealand playing 11: :
1) Tim Seifert (Wicketkeeper)
2) Finn Allen
3) Rachin Ravindra
4) Glenn Phillips
5) Mark Chapman
6) Daryl Mitchell
7) Mitchell Santner ©
8) Jimmy Neesham
9) Matt Henry
10) Ish Sodhi
11) Lockie Ferguson
Hot Picks Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand:
Captaincy Choice:
|
Glenn Phillips – The impressive right-arm all-rounder and off-break option for New Zealand has scored 119 runs in 5 matches and set fielding standards with a tournament-leading 8 catches, including a breathtaking aerial effort against Australia. |
|
Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lanka’s brilliant right-handed opening batsman has scored 208 runs in 5 matches, which is currently the second highest score in this World Cup. |
Raises up:
|
Kusal Mendis – The adept right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman for Sri Lanka has scored 186 runs in 5 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 46.50, while scoring several steady half-centuries at the top of the order. |
|
Tim Seifert – The aggressive right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman representing New Zealand has scored 173 runs in 5 innings, including a brilliant unbeaten 89 off 42 balls against UAE, which made him one of the leading run-getters of the competition. |
Budget Selection:
|
Pawan Rathnayake – The promising right-handed middle-order batsman for Sri Lanka has scored 137 runs in 4 tournament matches, scoring an impressive 177.92 and injecting valuable pace into the co-hosts’ batting engine. |
|
Lockie Ferguson – The express right-arm fast bowler for New Zealand has taken 4 wickets in 5 matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, carrying the pace unit with adverse spells and playing a decisive role in guiding the Black Caps to the Super 8 stage. |
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:
|
captain |
Pathum Nissanka and Glenn Phillips |
|
vice captain |
Tim Seifert and Kusal Mendis |
SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Tim Seifert (Vice Captain), Kusal Mendis, Finn Allen
- Batsmen – Rachin Ravindra, Pathum Nissanka ©
- Allrounder – Dasun Shanaka, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers- Matt Henry, Dunith Velez, Mahesh Theekshana
SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Tim Seifert, Kusal Mendis (Vice Captain)
- Batsmen – Rachin Ravindra, Pathum Nissanka, Pawan Rathnayake
- Allrounders – Dasun Shanaka, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips ©
- Bowlers – Lockie Ferguson, Dunith Velez, Mahesh Theekshana
SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 46 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
player |
dream11 credit |
Dream11 Points (Last Match) |
|
Jimmy Neesham |
7.5 credits |
No |
|
charit asalanka |
6.5 credits |
No |
SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 46 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Expert Advice:
|
sl captaincy option |
Pathum Nissanka |
|
gl captaincy option |
glen phillips |
|
choice of punt |
Lockie Ferguson and Pawan Rathnayake |
|
dream11 combination |
3-2-3-3 |
SL vs NZ Match Winner Prediction:
New Zealand’s powerful squad setup gives them a clear advantage in this clash.
