SL vs NZ live, T20 World Cup: Chameera castles Phillips, puts Sri Lanka on top

SL vs NZ LIVE, T20 World Cup: After a major thumping against England, Sri Lanka went on to win the toss against New Zealand and opted to bowl first. The hosts managed to make the most of their decision, and reduced the Kiwis to 34/2. Post that, situation worsened to 75/3.

A superb Super 8 clash awaits as co-hosts Sri Lanka are set to host New Zealand in a crucial game. Both teams are in need of a win. Sri Lanka lost their opening Super 8 game against England, who defended 146 runs as the Lankans bundled out at 96. They need their batting to strike but the bowling has taken a hit as well in the absence on Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana. New Zealand, meanwhile, are yet to turn up, as their opening game was washed out against Pakistan. The winner of this clash will be best suited to join England in the semi-finals from Group 2.

Match Details

Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Match 46, Super 8 Group 2
Tournament: ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Date: February 25, 2026
Venue: R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Time: Start at 7:00 PM IST, toss at 6:30 PM IST
Toss: 6:30 PM IST
Captains: Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)

SL vs NZ Playing XI

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

New Zealand Playing XI

Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

SL vs NZ Live Streaming Details

In India: TV broadcast on Star Sports Network; live streaming on JioHotstar app and website.
In Pakistan: Typically available on PTV Sports or A Sports for TV; streaming via Daraz app, Tapmad, or official ICC platforms (check local broadcasters like Ten Sports or Geo Super for updates).
In England: TV on Sky Sports Cricket; streaming via Sky Go or NOW TV app. Global free options may include ICC.tv in select regions.

Live

SL vs NZ Live score: Catch dropped

25/02/2026 19:50

Chameera comes up with a slow one, and Ravindra skies a one-handed shot. Dasun Shanaka makes a mess of that one. But then Chameera cleans up Phillips. NZ 75/3 in 10 overs

SL vs NZ Live score: Wickets needed

25/02/2026 19:47

SL can't get complacent rigfht now. They should continue with spin and look for further wickets. Kiwis can still get to 180. They are 73/2 in 9 overs.

SL vs NZ Live score: Boundaries needed

25/02/2026 19:40

The run rate has slipped below 7, and Kiwis need to stay patient and make sure, they don't lose any further wickets. They can build on, later in the innings. NZ 59/2 in 8 overs.

SL vs NZ Live score: Kiwis need to stay calm

25/02/2026 19:32

This is a phase of the game where nothing seems to be working for the Kiwis. Theeshana is putting them under pressure. Another miserly over comes to an end. NZ 44/2 after 6 overs.

SL vs NZ Live score: Lanka on top

25/02/2026 19:25

Now, Dushmantha Chameera comes into the attack, and Seifert is caught at mid-wicket. This is bowling to the plan. NZ 39/2 in 5 overs

SL vs NZ Live score: Wicket for Theekshana

25/02/2026 19:18

Bowls one slow.. Allen plays one straight to the bowler, and Theekshana pouches an excellent catch. NZ 33/1 in 4 overs.

SL vs NZ Live score: Massive drop

25/02/2026 19:15

Seifert makes room, as Madushanka bowls wide. Theekshana at short third man misses/drops the catch. But that was mighty good effort. NZ 30/0 after 3 overs.

SL vs NZ Live score: Spin comes early

25/02/2026 19:11

Dunith Wellalage starts the second over and NZ batters will be cautious for sure. It is still not the same rousing start for NZ. 3 boundaries come from the over. NZ 23/0 in 2 overs.

SL vs NZ Live score: Madushanka starts

25/02/2026 19:06

Left-arm pacer Madushanka starts, and he will be tasked to curtail the early attack from Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. OH, and as we speak, Allen hits a massive six. NZ 8/0 in 1 over

SL vs NZ Live score: Theekshana takes centrestage

25/02/2026 18:58

Theekshana has picked up 8 wickets in the World Cup so far, and needs to come up with a huge effort for his team.

SL vs NZ Live score: Pitch report

25/02/2026 18:52

It should be no different from what the surface has offered until now, in the tournament. Spinners will be on top, but rotating strike will be the key.

SL vs NZ Live score: NZ XI

25/02/2026 18:42

Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

SL vs NZ Live score: SL XI

25/02/2026 18:36

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

SL vs NZ Live: SL win toss

25/02/2026 18:34

SL win the toss and opt to bowl first. Should be an engaging contest between the two sides now.

SL vs NZ Live: bat first pitch?

25/02/2026 18:19

Actually, somehow chasing has been difficult in the tournament. So, any team who wins the toss will look to bat.

SL vs NZ Live: Toss soon

25/02/2026 18:11

R Premadasa is where the match will be played, and it will be spinners, who will rule the roost. Sri Lanka has been struggling to deal with that in both departments. NZ looks the stronger team for sure.

SL vs NZ Live: NZ to qualify?

25/02/2026 18:04

The equation is pretty simple in Group 2.. If New Zealand go on to win, they make the semis, and Pakistan and Sri Lanka go out. IF NZ lose, they will still be in contention to go through the semis.