Published on: Feb 26, 2026 7:02 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 26, 2026 1:15 pm IST
Two-time champions England, who are also the first team to enter the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, will be playing their final Super 8 game. They will be up against the 2021 runners-up, New Zealand, who are on the cusp of making it to the final four. A win here will seal them a spot in the semis; a loss would mean they will have to wait for the result of the game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be played later in the day. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 49th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Although England is the first team to qualify for the semis, they haven’t played their best cricket as of yet. However, we shouldn’t take anything away from the English side, as they have managed to fight back and found a way to win. New Zealand, meanwhile have played much better cricket in the tournament so far and will look to take a win here in this contest and seal a spot in the semis. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to drift slightly in favor of the Black Caps. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 49th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
ENG: 46% win chance NZ: 54% win chance
The dashing Blackcaps opener will be a premier pick among the batters in this game. He has accumulated 160 runs so far at a scintillating strike-rate of 177.77.
In 4 innings so far, Phillips has 137 runs to his name at a brilliant strike-rate of 167.07. He will be a key pick in the middle order.
The English skipper led from the front in the last game against Pakistan with a scintillating 100 off 51 deliveries. He will be at the forefront of England's batting.
The left-hander has scored 154 runs in 6 innings so far in this World Cup. The left-hander has played some crucial knocks in this tournament and will look to continue the same.
Check out our prediction for the ENG vs NZ 49th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
England will be eager to maintain their unbeaten streak as they head into their final Super 8 clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The two-time champions have already sealed their place in the semifinals, becoming the first team to do so this edition. Their journey so far has been dominant—starting with a commanding 51-run victory over Sri Lanka, followed by a nervy 2-wicket win against Pakistan in Pallekele.
Now, Harry Brook’s men face New Zealand, the 2021 runners-up, who are fighting to keep their semifinal hopes alive. England, however, will be focused on consolidating their form and entering the knockout stage unbeaten, a statement of intent that could give them a psychological edge over any opponent they face next. With their batting firing in unison and the bowling unit consistently delivering breakthroughs, England look well-balanced and confident.
For New Zealand, this game possesses a chance to enter the semis, but for England, it’s about momentum and setting the tone for the business end of the tournament. An unbeaten entry into the semis would underline their credentials as strong contenders for a third T20 World Cup crown.
New Zealand’s semifinal hopes hinge on their upcoming clash, and the equation is straightforward—win, and they’re through. Their Super 8 campaign began on a frustrating note with a rain-abandoned fixture against Pakistan, leaving them with just a single point. However, the Black Caps bounced back in style, defeating co-hosts and 2014 champions Sri Lanka by a commanding margin of 61 runs. That victory not only boosted their confidence but also gave their Net Run Rate a healthy push, keeping them firmly in contention.
Heading into this decisive encounter, New Zealand know that a win will guarantee them a place in the final four alongside England. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling attack have shown glimpses of peak form, and they will be eager to sustain that momentum. On the other hand, a loss would complicate matters significantly, forcing them to rely on the outcome of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash later in the day.
With the stakes at their highest, New Zealand’s path is clear: seize victory now and avoid the uncertainty of permutations. A semifinal berth is within reach, and the Black Caps will be determined to grab it with both hands. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 27 NZ won: 10 ENG won: 16 No Result: 1 Tied: 0 RECENT form NWE ZEALAND: W L W NR W RECENT form ENGLAND: L W W W W
New Zealand and England have squared off against each other 27 times in T20Is. New Zealand has 10 wins to their name, whereas England have had the upper hand with 16 wins. One game ended as a no result between the two sides.
How will the two teams, i.e., New Zealand and England, fare in the 49th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.
Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Philip Salt (WK), Jos Buttler/Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue/Luke Wood/Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 49th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between New Zealand and England at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo:
At the R Premadasa Stadium, the toss could play a decisive role. With the surface expected to slow down and dew likely in the evening, the team winning the toss is predicted to opt for batting. Batting first provides a clear advantage, especially under lights with conditions favoring stroke play.
The online live streaming of the 49th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.
New Zealand should start as the favorites in this encounter. They are on a mission to get into the semis, and a win here will seal their spot among the last four. With England expected to test their bench in this game, New Zealand should enter this contest with a clear upper hand. Therefore, as per our prediction, New Zealand is expected to win the ENG vs NZ, 49th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Click here