Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs New Zealand- T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8 (PC - x.com)
The co-hosts, Sri Lanka, have lost two back-to-back defeats in the T20 World Cup 2026; it's now or never for the Dasun Shanka-led side to make a comeback, or they will lose their semifinal spot.
After losing their final Group game to Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of England. Chasing 147 runs, the Lankans were folded for 95 runs and couldn't even play out their entire 20 overs, as Will Jacks and Adil Rashid webbed a perfect trap.
Although the bowlers, especially Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana, performed exceptionally well in the previous game, the batters failed to hold their end. In this must-win fixture, the Lankans should look to strengthen their batting department for the spinning track of Colombo.
Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs New Zealand- T20 World Cup 2026
Openers and Top Order: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis
Pathum Nissanka has been one of the most impressive batters going around in this T20 World Cup. He has been single-handedly scoring runs for Sri Lanka, notching 208 runs at a strike rate of 154.07. Although he hasn't received thorough support from the other end.
The Lankans reinstalled Kamil Mishara to the mix after Kusal Perera didn't give the desired returns at the top of the order, but Mishara has hit just 28 runs off three outings. The team management would look to bring back Perera, especially for his tall experience.
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Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis has had two successive failures, which resulted in defeats for the co-hosts. He will be an integral part of Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs New Zealand, as his three consecutive fifties helped Sri Lanka win those respective clashes.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage
Another change that can be made in Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs New Zealand is Charith Asalanka. The southpaw is yet to play a game in this tournament, but his brute power and off-spin will come in handy against the Blackcaps. Meanwhile, Pavan Rathnayake needs to get back to his best, which he translated against Oman and Zimbabwe.
Dasun Shanaka has been doing a relatively good job for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026, but the captain needs to lead from the front, which he has been lacking in his batting and body language.
Although Dunith Wellalage will be a vital cog in Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs New Zealand. The left-arm spinning allrounder has been the best bowling option, taking 8 wickets off five matches, and he will be challenging to face for the Kiwis.
Bowlers: Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka have a versatile bowling attack. If a team gets through Wellalage, then they need to find a way to negate Maheesh Theekshana and Dushan Hemantha. Theekshana is one of the rare breed of spinners who love bowling early and in the death. However, Hemantha hasn't let Wanindu Hasaranga's absence be felt.
Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera complete the Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs New Zealand. This pace duo has the ingredients to complement each other, as long as they operate together in tough phases of an innings.
Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs New Zealand- Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
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