SL vs NZ Today Match Prediction: H2H Stats & Toss Prediction | Who Will Win Today’s Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match? T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8, Match 46
- Published: February 24, 2026
- Updated: February 24, 2026
- By AllCric Team
Match Preview
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 46th Match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday. This Super 8 (Group 2) fixture is crucial for both teams, making the SL vs NZ today match prediction highly significant in the race for the semifinals. Sri Lanka suffered a 51-run defeat against England in their opening Super 8 game, while New Zealand’s first Super 8 clash was washed out against Pakistan, forcing them to share points. Both sides need a win here to strengthen their qualification chances.
Heading into this SL vs NZ winning prediction, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their strong spin attack, but their batting collapse for 95 in the previous match remains a concern. For those searching for the SL vs NZ match prediction today, New Zealand appear slightly better balanced, especially with their explosive openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen already smashing 15 sixes in the tournament. Based on current form and squad depth, the SL vs NZ match prediction leans slightly in favor of New Zealand in this high-pressure Super 8 encounter.
SL vs NZ Match Details
- Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Super 8 (Group 2), 46th Match
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Date: 25 February 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
SL vs NZ Pitch Report
The R Premadasa surface is balanced but gradually becomes slower, offering grip and turn for spinners. Teams batting first have enjoyed more success in this tournament.
- Balanced pitch
- Average 1st innings score: 173
- Surface slows down as match progresses
- High turn for spinners
- 4 of 5 matches won by batting first side
Weather Report – Colombo
- Sunny and hot conditions
- Temperature between 26°C – 29°C
- Light winds around 16 kmph
- Clear skies
- 0% chance of rain
SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | Sri Lanka(SL) Won | New Zealand(NZ) Won |
|---|---|---|
|
24 |
09 |
15 |
Latest meeting (02-Jan-2025): Sri Lanka won by 7 runs. For a more confident match call today, reviewing the SL vs ENG match 42 prediction and the NZ vs PAK match 41 prediction can help provide additional context on current team form.
SL vs NZ Predicted Playing XI
Sri Lanka (SL) Predicted XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
New Zealand (NZ) Predicted XI
Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Lockie
Probable Top Performers – SL vs NZ
Batters to Watch
- Kusal Perera (SL): 417 runs vs NZ, 464 runs at Premadasa in T20Is
- Tim Seifert (NZ): 173 runs in 4 innings, SR 167.96
- Finn Allen (NZ): 137 runs, SR 177.92
Bowlers to Watch
- Maheesh Theekshana (SL): 8 wickets in tournament
- Dunith Wellalage (SL): 7 wickets, 3/26 vs England
- Lockie Ferguson (NZ): 4 wickets in tournament
SL vs NZ Toss Prediction
The surface is better for batting in the first innings and slows down later.
Toss Prediction: To Bat
SL vs NZ Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?
Sri Lanka’s spin attack gives them a fighting chance at home, but their batting collapse in the previous game is a concern. New Zealand appear more balanced with explosive openers and a strong pace attack. Given their superior squad balance and past success in Sri Lanka, they hold the edge.
Prediction: New Zealand to Win
👉 For expert match analysis and match predictions, download the AllCric App & Visit the AllCric Website
❓FAQs
New Zealand are favorites due to stronger batting depth and better overall balance.
The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first.
Kusal Perera, Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Maheesh Theekshana.
A total around 170–180 is considered competitive at this venue.
Match Played: 24
SL Won: 09
NZ Won: 15