ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: 3 Sri Lanka players to watch for in NZ vs SL

New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in Match No.46 of the T20 World Cup 2026 (Group B) in a crucial Super Eight clash on February 25 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Black Caps have had a strong run in the tournament so far, winning three out of four matches in the group stage, including convincing victories over South Africa, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada. Their first Super Eight fixture, however, was washed out due to rain.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, entered the Super Eight with mixed results in the group stage. They defeated Australia, Oman, and Ireland but suffered a loss to Zimbabwe. Their opening Super Eight game against England ended in defeat, making this match against New Zealand an important opportunity to regain momentum and stay in contention for the semifinals.

Here are three Sri Lanka players to watch out for in Match No.46 of the NZ vs SL T20 World Cup 2026:

Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. Although he struggled in the first two group-stage games, scoring just 24 against Ireland and 13 against Oman, he turned things around spectacularly in the third match against Australia. Nissanka displayed immense composure and class, scoring an unbeaten 100 to guide Sri Lanka to a memorable victory at Pallekele.

He continued his form in the final group-stage game against Zimbabwe, scoring a solid 62 in a losing effort. While he could not make an impact against England, Nissanka will be determined to perform against New Zealand and provide his team with a strong start at the top of the order.

Maheesh Theekshana

Spin-bowling all-rounder Maheesh Theekshana could play a decisive role in this Super Eight clash. The right-arm off-spinner has been economical and consistent, putting pressure on opposition batters with tight lines and clever variations. He took 3/23 against Ireland and 2/11 against Oman, proving his ability to strike at crucial moments.

Against Australia, he picked up 1/37 and remained economical even when wicketless versus Zimbabwe. Overall, Theekshana has eight wickets in the tournament so far and 79 wickets in 80 T20Is in his career, showing his experience and reliability. On Colombo’s spin-friendly pitches, his middle-over spells could be game-changing against the New Zealand batting lineup.

Dunith Wellalage

The 23-year-old Dunith Wellalage is another player to watch. Although his performances in the group stage were quiet, taking one wicket per game, he bowled economically and built pressure on the batters. He announced himself in the Super Eight clash against England with impressive figures of 3/26, even though Sri Lanka lost the game.

Wellalage’s ability to extract bounce and turn from the surface makes him a threat in the middle overs, especially against New Zealand’s middle-order batters like Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips. His four overs could prove decisive in restricting the Kiwis’ scoring and turning the match in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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