T20 World Cup 2026: Super Eights, Match 46, NZ vs SL – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Published - 24 Feb 2026, 18:23 IST | Updated - 24 Feb 2026, 18:23 IST

New Zealand is set to take on the co-hosts Sri Lanka in a blockbuster Super 8 encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The match will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on February 25.

The encounter will be crucial in New Zealand’s semifinal chances, after their opening game in the Super 8 versus Pakistan was called off due to rain. The Kiwis will head into this contest with two points in mind.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are coming off after a disappointing loss to England. After restricting the English side for a mere 146, they failed to chase down the target, eventually losing the match by 51 runs. So, a win against New Zealand is a must for the Lankans.

This will be the battle of the powerplays that will decide which team will take a better start in this contest. The Kiwi speedster Ferguson will go up against Pathum Nissanka, who has been brilliant for the Lankans throughout the tournament and is the third-highest run scorer of the tournament so far. The right-hander will look to give his side a blazing start, while Lockie certainly has the ability to stop him.