T20 World Cup 2026 Live | NZ vs SL Live Streaming Free – TNT Sports Live – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 46th Match, Live Online
February 25, 2026 
The Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaches a crucial point as Sri Lanka face New Zealand in Match 46 on February 25, 2026. The match begins at 7:00 PM local time (1:30 PM GMT / 9:30 PM IST) at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
With semifinal qualification on the line, this fixture carries knockout intensity. Sri Lanka must win to stay alive in the tournament, while New Zealand are aiming to strengthen their position in Group 2 alongside England and Pakistan.
Match Overview
Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 46th Match
Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Super Eights Group 2
Date: 25 February 2026
Time: 7:00 PM Local | 1:30 PM GMT | 9:30 PM IST
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka’s Do-or-Die Situation
Sri Lanka enter this contest under immense pressure. Their campaign included a stunning run chase against Australia, highlighted by Pathum Nissanka’s brilliant century. However, inconsistency during the Super Eights has placed them in a must-win scenario.
Playing at home could work in their favor. The spin-friendly conditions in Colombo suit their bowling combination, and they currently lead the Super Eights in total wickets taken. Their challenge will be delivering a complete performance with the bat.
New Zealand’s Momentum and Strength
New Zealand come into this match well-rested after a washout against Pakistan. That break may help them adapt better to Colombo’s humid conditions.
They possess one of the most explosive batting lineups in the tournament, scoring at 10.37 runs per over in the Super Eights. Their top order attacks aggressively in the powerplay, while the middle order adds stability and finishing power. Their only concern remains their comparatively lower wicket tally with the ball.
Pitch Report – R. Premadasa Stadium
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium generally offers a balanced surface.
Early overs provide consistent bounce and allow batters to play their shots freely. As the game progresses, the surface slows down and begins to grip, bringing spinners into play. Under lights, it often becomes increasingly difficult for batters to score freely.
Pacers usually find minimal seam movement here in day-night matches. This makes quality spin bowling a decisive factor.
Weather Conditions
Colombo is expected to experience warm and humid weather.
Temperatures may start around 31°C and gradually drop to 24°C later in the evening. Humidity levels near 75 percent could test player endurance. There is a slight chance of brief showers, but a full washout appears unlikely.
Head-to-Head Record
In 28 T20 Internationals between the two teams, New Zealand lead with 16 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 11, with one no-result.
On Sri Lankan soil, the contest has been more competitive, though New Zealand still maintain a slight advantage. Recent encounters favor the Black Caps, who have won four of the last five matches.
New Zealand Team Analysis
New Zealand’s key strength lies in their explosive top order and flexible middle order. Players like Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra can dominate the powerplay, while Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell provide middle-over acceleration.
Their bowling attack relies heavily on early breakthroughs from Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. Mitchell Santner’s role becomes crucial on spin-friendly surfaces like Colombo.
Sri Lanka Team Analysis
Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon is their spin attack. Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage are highly effective on slow surfaces. Combined with home support, they can create sustained pressure.
The concern remains their batting stability. While Pathum Nissanka has been in strong form, the top order must avoid collapses to post or chase competitive totals.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
Key Battles to Watch
Finn Allen vs Maheesh Theekshana could define the powerplay phase.
Pathum Nissanka vs Mitchell Santner will test technique against control.
Daryl Mitchell’s ability to handle spin in middle overs may prove decisive.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 runs from February 7 to March 8, hosted across India and Sri Lanka.
India: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.
Pakistan: PTV Sports, A Sports, Ten Sports with streaming on Tapmad and Tamasha.
Sri Lanka: SLRC, Channel Eye, Siyatha TV, plus Dialog ViU.
UK: Sky Sports Cricket and TNT Sports.
Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
USA & Canada: Willow TV and Sling TV.
Rest of the world: ICC.tv where local rights are unavailable.
Match Prediction
New Zealand hold a slight advantage based on recent form, head-to-head dominance, and stronger batting depth. However, Sri Lanka’s spin attack and home conditions keep them firmly in contention.
If the pitch slows significantly, Sri Lanka could turn the tables. Otherwise, New Zealand may edge this contest by a narrow margin, possibly 8–12 runs or 4–6 wickets in a closely fought encounter.
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