Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match: New Zealand and Sri Lanka will meet in a crucial Super 8 Group 2 match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. New Zealand enter the match after their opening Super 8 fixture against Pakistan was washed out, leaving them with one point. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, suffered a defeat in their Super 8 opener against England and now face a must-win situation to keep their semifinal hopes alive. A defeat for the hosts could nearly end their semi-final hopes, while a win for New Zealand would strengthen their chances of progressing.
Colombo Weather Forecast
According to AccuWeather, temperatures in Colombo are expected to hover around 25 degrees Celsius on Wednesday evening. Skies are forecast to remain mostly clear, with winds ranging between 7 and 30 km/h. There is a 25% chance of rain and only a 1% chance of thunderstorms. Cloud cover is expected to be around 27%, suggesting favorable conditions for a full match.
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers could find assistance early with movement off the surface, while spinners are likely to have a significant role as the pitch slows down. The average first-innings score at the venue is around 168. Historically, captains winning the toss have preferred to bat first.
Squads
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Janith Liyanage, Pramod Madushan, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera
New Zealand Squad: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway, Cole McConchie
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
New Zealand Probable Playing XI: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Live streaming and broadcast details
Fans in India can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network. Streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website with a subscription.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Details
Match: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 46th Match, Super 8 Group 2 (Y2 v Y4), ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. IST
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: JioHotstar
