New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: T20 World Cup Super 8 Scorecard and Updates
London, 25 February 2026 – The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached a fever pitch in Colombo as co-hosts Sri Lanka face New Zealand in a critical Super 8, Group 2 encounter. With semi-final qualification on the line, the R. Premadasa Stadium is the centre of the cricketing world today. Sri Lanka enters this match under immense pressure following a recent 51-run defeat to England, while New Zealand aims to capitalise on the hosts’ recent batting inconsistencies.
Match Summary: Toss and Team News
In the high-stakes fixture held today, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to field first, citing the potential for evening dew and the historical advantage of chasing at this venue. Sri Lanka made one tactical change to their XI, bringing in Kamil Mishara to bolster the top order. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, have fielded a settled side as they look to maintain their superior head-to-head record in the shortest format of the game.
Head-to-Head Records
Historically, New Zealand has held the upper hand in T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka. The following table outlines the statistical standing between the two nations across all formats leading into today’s clash.
| Format | Matches Played | New Zealand Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draw/Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 40 | 18 | 11 | 11 |
| One-Day Internationals | 108 | 54 | 44 | 10 |
| T20 Internationals | 29 | 16 | 11 | 2 |
| Overall Combined | 177 | 88 | 65 | 24 |
Key Match Factors
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Known for assisting spinners as the match progresses, making the middle-over battle between Santner and Hasaranga pivotal.
- Qualification Stakes: A win for Sri Lanka keeps their semi-final hopes alive, whereas a New Zealand victory would significantly simplify the path for other Group 2 contenders, including Pakistan.
- Form Guide: Sri Lanka’s batting has been a point of concern, recently failing to chase 147 against England, being bowled out for just 95.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka live stream?
The match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and is available for streaming via the ICC’s official digital partners. In Sri Lanka, local fans can tune in via national broadcasters and various digital platforms.
What was the result of the toss today?
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. Captain Dasun Shanaka opted to put New Zealand in to bat, looking to exploit any early movement under the Colombo lights.
Who are the captains for today’s match?
Mitchell Santner is captaining the New Zealand national side, while Dasun Shanaka leads the Sri Lanka national cricket team.
How does this match affect the Super 8 points table?
England has already secured a spot in the semi-finals from this group. This match is a “must-win” for Sri Lanka to stay in contention. A New Zealand win would put them in a strong position to join England in the final four, depending on net run rate calculations.