New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Sri Lanka have to deal with their bowling struggles when they take on New Zealand in a must-win T20 World Cup Super Eight match on Wednesday.
T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points table
The hosts failed to chase down 147 against England on a slow surface at Pallekele. Sri Lanka’s batting conditions have been more challenging compared to co-hosts India, and the pattern is expected to continue at the Premadasa Stadium, where bigger boundaries limit six strikes.
After the defeat in the opening leg of the Super Eight, the focus has been on shot selection and Sri Lanka will be looking to correct those mistakes.
“It’s a T20 game so obviously you go into the game trying to score as many runs as you can. So when the ball doesn’t come on the bat, it’s easier said than done,” Sri Lanka batting coach Vikram Rathour reflected on the team’s poor performance.
“Are there better options? Yes, it definitely could have been taken. I was thinking about a wicket where the ball stops, so pushing is not a great idea. A couple of our wickets were lost due to guys pushing for a single. I don’t think it was a great choice in the conditions,” he added.
Pathum Nissanka has led the batting effort so far, while left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage has performed with the ball. The fast bowlers also made a mark in the tournament.
New Zealand shared a point with Pakistan after losing their match at Premadasa. They have rotation options, including captain Mitchell Santner.
With no rain in the forecast, both teams will be looking for their first Super Eight win.
New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have been in form during the league phase and will look to continue that run.
Rachin Ravindra is also expected to contribute after scoring a fifty in the previous innings against Canada.
