![New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in Super 8 [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771932272087_NZplayingXIvsSLT20WC.jpg?type=hq)
New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in Super 8 [Source: AFP]
On Wednesday, New Zealand will cross swords against Sri Lanka in the sixth Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The highly anticipated encounter will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand added one point to their tally after the Super 8 match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain. The BlackCaps showcased remarkable form in the group stage, winning three out of four matches.
Despite struggling with the ball on M. A. Chidambaram Stadium's batting-friendly pitch, the BlackCaps consistently outshone their opponents with the bat.
So, with the likes of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips continuously chipping in with quick-fire knocks, New Zealand would want better returns from their bowlers, especially the experienced duo of Matt Henry and Mitch Santner.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would be desperate to rediscover winning ways after falling flat in their inaugural Super 8 fixture against England. While Dunith Wellalage and Dushmantha Chameera have been impressive with the ball, the Lankans will heavily rely on the in-form duo of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka to spearhead their batting unit.
As the stage is set for a cracking contest, here we analyse and predict the New Zealand playing XI Vs Sri Lanka for the Super 8 game at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
New Zealand Playing XI Vs Sri Lanka- T20 World Cup 2026
Openers and top order: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra
The New Zealand top order has fired with all cylinders in the T20 World Cup so far. Although Rachin Ravindra has been a bit inconsistent with the bat, the explosive duo of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen hasn't let the Kiwis bear the brunt of his torrid run. Having said that, Ravindra played a game-changing knock against Canada and would like to contribute to his team's success.
Also read: Mike Hesson Declares Himself Pakistani, Warns Own Country New Zealand
Allen and Seifert, on the other hand, can torment the Sri Lankan bowling attack with scintillating hitting in the powerplay. Seifert has amassed 173 runs at a blistering strike rate of 167.96 in the T20 World Cup, with Allen managing 137 runs at a strike rate of 177.92.
So, the New Zealand playing XI Vs Sri Lanka will likely have a robust top-order with two in-form destructive batting options as openers.
Middle order and allrounders: Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham
The New Zealand playing XI Vs Sri Lanka is expected to have a formidable middle order, comprising multiple all-round options.
The swashbuckling duo of Glenn Phillips (119 runs in 3 innings, average- 59.50, SR- 185.94) and Daryl Mitchell form the backbone of the Kiwi middle order, which is also studded with dynamic players like Mark Chapman, Mitch Santner and Jimmy Neesham.
Santner hasn't really got going in the T20 World Cup so far (1 wicket in 3 innings). However, given that the pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium will heavily assist the spinners, the Kiwi skipper might play a significant role against the Lankan Lions.
On the other hand, Chapman and Neesham are expected to ensure fitting finishes to the BlackCaps innings as power-hitting options lower down the order.
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson
Ace speedster Lockie Ferguson is expected to retain his place in the New Zealand playing XI vs Sri Lanka. The experienced campaigner recently rejoined the team after attending his wife during childbirth back home. His return means Jacob Duffy will continue to miss out after bagging only three wickets at a miserable economy of 10.08.
Considering the spin-friendly nature of the surface in Colombo, Ish Sodhi is likely to play this T20 World Cup match.
Meanwhile, Matt Henry will be a key member of the New Zealand playing XI vs Sri Lanka, courtesy of his ability to bamboozle the batters with genuine seam movement with the new ball up front.
New Zealand's likely playing XI Vs Sri Lanka- T20 World Cup 2026
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Also read: "Pan Masala Brand Design": Lucknow Super Giants New Logo Reveal Gets Honest Review
.jpg?type=mq "Bizarre advice!!")
