SL vs NZ, T20 World Cup: New Zealand knock Sri Lanka out, stay in the hunt for semis

SL vs NZ, T20 World Cup: After yet another batting failure, Sri Lanka are out of the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal race after a 61-run loss to New Zealand in a Super 8, Group 2 match. With New Zealand bowling 17 overs of spin, Sri Lanka could only manage 107/8 in 20 overs in a chase of 169. Rachin Ravindra bagged 4/24, while Matt Henry dealt the double blow in the powerplay.

Sent to bat, New Zealand managed 168/8, all thanks to a record 84-run partnership between Cole McConchie and Mitchell Santner. With New Zealand 84/6 in 12.1 overs, the two took charge, adding 70 runs in the last four overs to post an almost impossible total to chase down on this R Premadasa pitch.

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.

This Live Blog has Ended

SL vs NZ Live: T20 World Cup Points Table

25/02/2026 22:37

New Zealand moved to 2nd spot and get a net run rate boost of +3.050. England have qualified and now, New Zealand must beat them to seal the semifinal spot. If Pakistan lose to Sri Lanka, New Zealand will qualify. Even if New Zealand lose and Pakistan win against Sri Lanka, the Kiwis can qualify. In that case, New Zealand will need to avoid a big loss to England so that Pakistan cannot surpass their NRR.

SL vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand knock Sri Lanka out

25/02/2026 22:29

Sri Lanka are knocked out of the semifinal race after another poor performance. After 95 all out against England, Sri Lanka end with 107/8 against, failing to counter New Zealand's spin attack in their own backyard. New Zealand bowled 17 overs of spin. Matt Henry dealt the two early blows in his first seven deliveries, and then it became a struggle. Rachin Ravindra bagged 4/24 to decimate the Lankan middle-order.

But the job is not done for New Zealand. They must win against England to seal the second semifinal slot from Super 8, Group 2. Or hope that Pakistan lose to Sri Lanka.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Phillips removes Wellalage

25/02/2026 22:27

Glenn Phillips also bags a wicket as Dunith Wellalage departs, trying to sweep. Sri Lanka 8 down with two balls to go.

SL vs NZ Live Score: No fifer for Ravindra

25/02/2026 22:17

Rachin Ravindra would be disappointed not to get a fifer. No New Zealand spinner has bagged a fifer in T20Is ever. Ravindra finishes his excellent spell with 4/27.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Santner strikes!

25/02/2026 22:08

Sri Lanka are 7 down now as Mitchell Santner joins the party. Kamindu Mendis was the only batter to play some decent shots. But as he tried to club one, he mistimed and gave away a catch to Glenn Phillips.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Just a formality now for New Zealand

25/02/2026 22:02

Sri Lanka need 98 off 36 balls and it's just a formality for New Zealand now. Rachin Ravindra has an over left, while Matt Henry is still to bowl two.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Ravindra bags 4th wicket

25/02/2026 21:54

Sri Lanka are 6 wickets down as Dushan Hemantha falls, trying to slice a widish full delivery.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Ravindra bags 3rd wicket

25/02/2026 21:46

Deja vu of the last match as Sri Lanka collapse once again. Dasun Shanaka gives away a catch to Finn Allen as Rachin Ravindra bags his 3rd wicket. Sri Lanka are 46/5.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Sri Lanka 45/4 in 10 overs

25/02/2026 21:44

After 10 overs, Sri Lanka have crawled to 45/4. Unless there is a miracle, Sri Lanka are crashing out of this tournament today. Sri Lanka need 124 more in their last 60 balls at 12.4 run rate.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Rathanayake stumped

25/02/2026 21:37

This is the second stumping of this over as Pavan Rathnayake is also stumped in a similar fashion. Sri Lanka are falling apart once again. They are 29/4 in 8.2.

First time was so nice, he had to do it twice! 😉

Rachin Ravindra hits the repeat button and New Zealand tighten the screws on Sri Lanka 🔥

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | SUPER 8, #SLvNZ ➡️ LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/g4wqt4U8vL pic.twitter.com/o24RL6zNXg
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 25, 2026

SL vs NZ Live Score: End of struggle for Mendis

25/02/2026 21:34

After wasting 22 balls, scoring 11 runs, Kusal Mendis is stumped off a Rachin Ravindra delivery. Sri Lanka won't be unhappy with this wicket as Mendis was really struggling. Sri Lanka 27/3 in 8.1.

SL vs NZ Live Score: End of powerplay

25/02/2026 21:24

Sri Lanka manage just 20 runs in the powerplay. The two overs from Matt Henry did the trick as he dismissed Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka, conceding just 3 runs. This is Sri Lanka's lowest powerplay score ever in T20 World Cup.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Sri Lanka 17/2 in 5

25/02/2026 21:20

After five overs, Sri Lanka score 17/2. Kusal Mendis has struggled to go past the fielder, while Pavan Rathnanayake is soaking up the pressure.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Henry strikes again

25/02/2026 21:10

Matt Henry strikes again and he now has 0/2 as Charith Asalanka departs trying to hit a slower delivery. Asalanka miscued and the top edge falls into Daryl Mitchell's hands. Sri Lanka 6/2.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Mendis-Asalanka rebuild

25/02/2026 21:08

After a wicket-maiden from Matt Henry, Charith Asalanka joins Kusal Mendis on the crease. It will be a tough chase and it's time for the two to rebuild.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Henry cleans up Nissanka

25/02/2026 21:00

Matt Henry strikes on the first ball as his delivery nips back in to clean up Pathum Nissanka through the gates. Horrible start for Sri Lanka.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Nissanka-Mendis begin

25/02/2026 20:58

Sri Lanka need 169 runs to win. But their batting collapse in the last game will be in their minds. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis begin the chase.

SL vs NZ Live Score: Highest 7th wicket stand

25/02/2026 20:55

Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie register the highest 7th wicket partnership in T20 World Cup.

Highest 7th wicket partnership in T20 World Cup

84: McConchie-Santner vs SL (2026)
74: Hussey-Smith vs BAN (2010)
71: Naib-Nabi vs PAK (2021)
70: Frylinck-Smit vs SL (2022)
68: Sanga-Mathews vs PAK (2009)

SL vs NZ Live score: Innings done

25/02/2026 20:49

Chameera finishes SL innings with a 12-run over but does get Santner on the last delivery. 79 runs in the last 5 overs and Kiwis end with a very strong 168/7.

Powerplay: 44/2
Middle-overs: 54/4
Death overs: 70/1

SL vs NZ Live score: NZ cruising now

25/02/2026 20:41

Last 3-4 overs have been excellent for the Kiwis, where they have added 70 runs. And That is massive shift in the context of the match.

SL vs NZ Live score: Theekshana's spell ends

25/02/2026 20:33

Theekshana is taken away for a few runs in the last over. He won't be happy with the way he ended here. Santner has taken the attack to him and scored two sixes and a four. NZ 137/6 in 18 overs

SL vs NZ Live score: 130 or 140

25/02/2026 20:21

100 comes up for the Kiwis. They should eye 140 here, or else it will be very difficult for them to defend.

SL vs NZ Live score: Decision by Lanka correct

25/02/2026 20:14

With this performance, Sri Lanka have shown, that their reading of the conditions was exellent and they have already bagged 6 wickets in 14 overs.

SL vs NZ Live score: NZ 6 down

25/02/2026 20:06

Wellalage has a wicket now. The ball comes back in sharply for Daryl Mitchell and he is clean bowled. What is NZ doing here. NZ 86/6 in 13 overs

SL vs NZ Live score: Rachin Ravindra out

25/02/2026 20:00

Ravindra was batting so well, and Theekshana has a wickets off a short ball. The batter tries to cut and is caught out for 32 from 22. Oh wait. He spins the ball from leg stump to middle, for Chapman. He has another wicket.

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.