New Zealand (NZ) vs Sri Lanka (SL) T20 World Cup Match Today Live Cricket Score Updates: Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bowl first against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand in game 46 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. Host Sri Lanka has lost their opening Super 8 encounter, while New Zealand’s game against Pakistan was a washout
While the hosts looked like world beaters in the group stage, they have now lost consecutive games in the tournament, coming at the end of the group stage against Zimbabwe and the first game of the Super 8, which was a proper mauling against England. The injuries to players regularly have not helped Sri Lanka in picking up a consistent lineup regularly.
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As per New Zealand, their main concern has been bowling, which is functional. They have tried various combinations in the ongoing tournament with reasonable success but nothing that has suggested the requirement of a World Cup winner. For the previous game against Pakistan, they included leg-spinner Ish Sodhi in the lineup, and at the same venue, the Blackcaps are expected to be unchanged.
Teams:
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
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Scroll down to check out updates in real time from the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Super 8 game at the T20 World Cup
Will Jacks and Phil Salt in action for England against Sri Lanka during T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 game in Kandy. (PHOTO: AP)
England successfully defended a modest 146/9 to beat co-hosts Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their T20 World Cup Super 8 opener. Despite a sluggish pitch and a top-order wobble, Phil Salt (62) anchored the innings, before a clinical bowling performance—led by Will Jacks (3/22) and Jofra Archer—skittled the Lankans for just 95. (Read more from Venkata Krishna B)