New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Toss Update: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl against New Zealand in the Super 8 Group 2 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Sri Lanka made one change to their lineup, bringing in Charith Asalanka in place of Kamal Mishara. New Zealand also made a single change, with Cole McConchie replacing Jimmy Neesham.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said the decision was influenced by the possibility of assistance for spinners later in the evening. “The main lesson for our batters from the game against England is to take the innings deep and show more responsibility through the middle overs. I thought our bowlers did a pretty decent job in the last match, and we expect them to deliver a similar performance tonight. There might be some assistance for the spinners, but you never really know what the surface will offer, so we felt bowling first was the right call,” he said.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his side would have preferred to bowl but was comfortable batting first on what appeared to be a good surface. “Nice to be here. It’s been a few days without a proper game - obviously we were up against the rain the other night and there’s not much you can do about that - but we’ve had some good training sessions and we’re ready for this big match. The challenge will be taking on the Sri Lankan spinners. We’ve been playing in India, so the conditions aren’t unfamiliar, and it’s been pleasing to see different guys step up at different times. That’s all you can really ask for. The two at the top have done an outstanding job, and hopefully they can set the tone again. The surface looks good, so the aim is to put up a strong score. We’ve made one change - Cole McConhie comes in for Jimmy Neesham - which gives us a bit more spin in the middle order. It adds balance, but a lot will depend on the ground dimensions. I think whichever side is smarter in using the bigger side of the boundary will have a pretty good day.” he said.
The co-host is bottom of the Group 2 standings with no points after losing its opening Super 8 match to England. Another defeat would end Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the semifinals. New Zealand has one point after its previous Super 8 match against Pakistan was washed out because of rain. A win over Sri Lanka would boost New Zealand’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
England has already secured a semifinal berth from Group 2, leaving Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan competing for the remaining spot.
SL vs NZ Playing XIs
New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
