Sri Lanka will need to improve their batting against slower bowlers when they take on New Zealand in a must-win Super Eight game of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. The hosts struggled to chase a below-par 147 against England on a slow, turning pitch in Pallekele, and the trend of difficult batting conditions is expected to continue at the Premadasa Stadium, where bigger boundaries make hitting sixes challenging. Shot selection was questioned following the heavy loss, and Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour highlighted that poor decisions on singles cost wickets on slow pitches.While much of the batting responsibility has fallen on Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka have received strong contributions from the bowlers. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage impressed with the ball, and the pacers have also performed well, keeping the team competitive despite batting struggles.
New Zealand, who earned a point when their Super Eight opener against Pakistan was washed out, also boast quality spin options, led by captain Mitchell Santner. Their opening duo, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, showed excellent form during the league stage, while Rachin Ravindra will be looking to build on his fifty against Canada. With rain unlikely, both teams will be pushing hard for their first Super Eight win of the tournament.Head-to-Head Records in T20Is:Total Matches Played: 28Sri Lanka Wins: 9New Zealand Wins: 16Tied: 2No Result: 1Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: When and Where to WatchMatch Date: 25th February 2026Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, ColomboMatch Time: 7:00 pmTV Broadcast in India: Star Sports Network Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar app and websiteOnline Coverage: Live ball-by-ball updates and detailed coverage will be available on TimesofIndia.com Squads:Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie.
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