New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: T20 World Cup Super 8s
COLOMBO, 25 February 2026 — The R. Premadasa Stadium is the centre of the cricketing world today as co-hosts Sri Lanka face New Zealand in a high-stakes Super 8 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With semi-final qualification hanging in the balance for both nations, the atmosphere in Colombo is electric.
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss earlier this evening and elected to bowl first, citing the potential for dew later in the night. New Zealand’s openers, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, have taken to the crease to navigate a spin-heavy Sri Lankan attack on a surface that traditionally favours the slower bowlers as the game progresses.
Live Match Scorecard: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
As of the latest updates from the ground, New Zealand have begun their innings with intent. The scorecard reflects a cautious yet productive start against the new ball.
| New Zealand Innings | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finn Allen | 12* | 8 | 1 | 1 | 150.00 |
| Tim Seifert | 10* | 6 | 2 | 0 | 166.67 |
| Total | 23/0 | 2.0 Overs | RR: 11.50 |
Bowling Summary
- Dunith Wellalage: 1.0-0-11-0
- Maheesh Theekshana: 1.0-0-12-0
Historical Head-to-Head Records
The rivalry between the Black Caps and the Lions spans nearly half a century. While New Zealand has historically held the upper hand in longer formats and ODIs, the T20 encounters have often been closely contested affairs.
| Format | Matches Played | New Zealand Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | No Result/Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 38 | 18 | 10 | 10 |
| ODIs | 108 | 54 | 44 | 10 |
| T20 Internationals | 29* | 16 | 11 | 2 |
*Including today’s ongoing match.
Key Performers in NZ vs SL T20Is
Several players have defined this fixture over the years with standout individual performances. In the T20 format, Glenn Phillips holds the record for the highest score with 104, while Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka has been a consistent threat at the top of the order.
Top T20I Scores
- Glenn Phillips (NZ): 104
- Kusal Perera (SL): 101
- Pathum Nissanka (SL): 90
- Tim Seifert (NZ): 88
Tournament Context: The Road to the Semi-Finals
This match is a “must-win” for both sides following a turbulent Super 8 stage. New Zealand’s previous fixture against Pakistan was abandoned due to heavy rain in Colombo, leaving them with a solitary point from that washout. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is looking to bounce back after a 51-run defeat to England in Kandy last week.
With England already securing a spot in the semi-finals after defeating both Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the second qualifying spot from Group 2 is effectively a three-way battle. A win for Sri Lanka tonight would keep the home crowd’s dreams alive, while a New Zealand victory would put the Black Caps in a commanding position ahead of their final group games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the NZ vs SL T20 World Cup match being played?
The match is being held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Who won the toss today?
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first.
What happened in the last New Zealand match?
New Zealand’s opening Super 8 match against Pakistan was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain on 22 February 2026.
How can I watch the match live?
The match is being broadcast on major sports networks globally, with live streaming available via official ICC partners. Free streaming options are available in certain regions through local broadcasters.