T20 World Cup 2026: Match 46, Super Eights, NZ vs SL Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between New Zealand vs Sri Lanka?

New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face off in Match 46 of the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 25.

New Zealand’s Super Eight opener against Pakistan was washed out without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Colombo. The abandonment meant the Black Caps had to settle for a solitary point. Before that, they had enjoyed a strong group-stage campaign, registering three wins out of four games played.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are coming off a heavy 51-run defeat to England in their first Super Eight clash. Bowled out cheaply in a spin-dominated encounter, the hosts now sit under pressure, with net run rate already taking a hit.

Also check: Australia Women vs India Women Prediction, 1st ODI 

NZ vs SL Match Details

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Pitch Report

The iconic stadium from Sri Lanka has hosted five matches so far in the tournament. Of these, four times team batting first has emerged victorious, while only once has the team chasing won. However, chasing has been the preferred choice, and the trend is expected to continue.

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Record in T20s

NZ vs SL Predicted Playing 11s

New Zealand (NZ):

Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

NZ vs SL Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka could be the best batter in the upcoming game against the New Zealand team, as he has managed to hit 208 runs in five games at an average of 52.00 and a strike rate of 154.07. With one ton and one and a half centuries to his name, the star batter has been in fine touch and will look to continue the same rhythm in his team’s must-win clash.

Probable Best Bowler: Mitchell Santner

New Zealand’sskipper, Mitchell Santner, could be the best bowler in his team’s forthcoming game. The spinner has had a quiet tournament so far, claiming just a solitary wicket in four innings. However, with the pitch assisting spinners, Santner will be hopeful to bounce back strongly.

3 FAQs – NZ vs SL Match Prediction (Super Eights, Match 46)

1. Who is likely to win NZ vs SL Match 46?
New Zealand national cricket team may start slight favorites due to their balanced bowling attack, but Sri Lanka national cricket team’s spin strength makes this a close contest.

2. Which players could decide the match?
Key battles like Maheesh Theekshana vs Finn Allen and the middle-order performance from both sides could define the outcome.

3. Will pitch conditions favor batters or bowlers?
Colombo surfaces generally assist spinners as the game progresses, so teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first and defend under pressure.

Today’s Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match