Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Pitch Report: Sri Lanka will face New Zealand in the 46th T20I of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Let's take a look at the pitch report for today's Super 8 match, SL vs NZ.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (SL vs NZ) Match Details:
- League: ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Date: February 25, 2026
- Start Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Teams: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
SL vs NZ Match Previews
Sri Lanka's performance in the previous match was dismal, as they suffered a massive 51-run defeat against England. Chasing a target of 147, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 95. However, Dasun Shanaka scored 30 runs off 24 balls, while Dunyth Wells took three wickets for 26 runs in four overs.
New Zealand has performed well so far in the tournament, although their previous match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain. However, for now, New Zealand will need a win to boost their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.
SL vs NZ, R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
NZ vs SL Match Pitch Report: Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium typically features a balanced pitch that starts flat and batsman-friendly, but aids spinners as the match progresses.
The black soil surface provides consistent early bounce for pacers, although there is minimal seam movement, especially in day-night games. It slows down later, grips for spin, and offers varying bounce in the middle overs, making it a paradise for spinners. Spinners have taken 54.41% of wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The average first innings score hovers around 150-160, favoring teams batting first, with four wins in six T20I World Cup matches. In evening games, dew can aid chases, allowing the team winning the toss against New Zealand to bat first.
R. Premadasa Stadium Records and Stats In T20
| Total matches: | 64 |
| Batting first won: | 27 |
| Bowling first won: | 36 |
| 1st inn avg score: | 144 |
| 2nd inn avg score: | 129 |
| Highest Total: | 215/5 |
| Lowest Total: | 80/10 |
| Highest Chased: | 215/5 |
| Lowest Defended: | 115/6 |
SL vs NZ Match Playing 11
Sri Lanka (SL) Possible Playing 11: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kamil Mishara, 3. Kusal Mendis(WK), 4. Pavan Rathnayake, 5. Dunith Wellalage, 6. Kamindu Mendis, 7. Dasun Shanaka(C), 8. Dushan Hemantha, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Dilshan Madushanka
New Zealand (NZ) Possible Playing 11: 1. Tim Seifert(WK), 2. Finn Allen(WK), 3. Rachin Ravindra, 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Mark Chapman, 6. Daryl Mitchell, 7. Mitchell Santner(C), 8. James Neesham, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Lockie Ferguson
