Published on: Feb 24, 2026 12:39 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 24, 2026 12:39 pm IST
In a quest to remain in the semifinal hunt, the co-hosts and 2014 champions, Sri Lanka, will be squaring off against New Zealand in match 46 of the Super 8s stage. The Lankans are heading into this contest after losing to England by 51 runs in their first Super 8 game, whereas the Blackcaps were involved in a rain-abandoned game against Pakistan, their first Super 8s game. Both teams are seeking a win in the Super 8s stage, making this contest worth watching. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 46th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s recent run hasn’t been good, as they have lost two games in a row. New Zealand, on the other hand, have played far better cricket than Sri Lanka and should walk into this game with their tails up. Going by the current scenario and the head-to-head meetings between the two sides in the past, New Zealand should have the win probability meter leaning in their favor. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 46th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
SL: 42% win chance NZ: 58% win chance
The Sri Lankan opener has been in blunt form. He has amassed 208 runs from 5 innings so far in this tournament, striking at 154.07.
Although Pavan got out for a duck in the last game, he has been piling up some crucial runs down the order when the team needed them the most. Expect him to play a cameo yet again.
The Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter has been in some form in this World Cup. In just 4 innings he has scored 173 runs at a brilliant strike-rate of 167.96.
In just 3 innings, Phillips, batting at no. 4 in this World Cup, has scored 119 runs at a magnificent strike-rate of 185.93. Phillips plays spin well and will be a vital cog in the middle overs when spinners play an important role.
Check out our prediction for the SL vs NZ 46th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s campaign in the Super 8s has hit turbulence, and New Zealand must capitalize on their opponents’ fragile form. The 2014 champions are coming off a heavy 51‑run defeat to England, following back‑to‑back losses against Zimbabwe and England in the group stage. Their batting has looked brittle, with collapses under pressure, while the bowling unit has lacked penetration in crucial phases.
In contrast, New Zealand enter this contest with momentum, despite their rain‑abandoned clash against Pakistan. The Blackcaps boast a balanced side with experienced campaigners like Kane Williamson and Trent Boult, alongside dynamic hitters who thrive in subcontinental conditions. The R. Premadasa Stadium’s spin‑friendly surface could further tilt the balance in New Zealand’s favor, given their adaptable bowling attack.
New Zealand have a golden opportunity to tighten their grip on a semifinal spot. Exploiting Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities early could set the tone for a decisive victory and strengthen their campaign in the Super 8s.
Sri Lanka find themselves staring at elimination as they prepare to face New Zealand in match 46 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The co-hosts and 2014 champions are in a must-win situation, with their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread. A defeat here would effectively shut the door on their campaign, leaving them with little to play for in the remaining fixtures.
Their struggles have been evident in recent outings. Consecutive losses to Zimbabwe and England have exposed both batting frailties and bowling inconsistencies. Against England, the Lankans faltered under scoreboard pressure, losing by 51 runs, a margin that highlighted their inability to adapt to high-intensity contests.
The challenge now is not just tactical but psychological. Sri Lanka must rediscover their fighting spirit, especially in familiar conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Their spinners could play a decisive role, but the batting unit needs to step up with intent and resilience. With the stakes at their highest, this clash against New Zealand is more than just another Super 8 fixture, it is a battle for survival. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 27 NZ won: 16 SL won: 11 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W W L W NR RECENT form SRI LANKA: W W W L L
Sri Lanka and New Zealand have squared off 27 times in T20Is. New Zealand has the upper hand in this battle as they have won 16 games, whereas Sri Lanka has registered 11 wins.
How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and Pakistan, fare in the 46th 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), James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 46th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo:
Winning the toss in Colombo will be decisive. With the pitch favoring spinners and slowing down as the game progresses, teams may prefer batting first to post a challenging total around 160–170. Under lights, chasing becomes tricky, so expect captains to lean toward setting a target.
The online live streaming of the 46th 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.
Despite playing at home, Sri Lanka has been quite rusty. They have lost two games so far in the tournament against Zimbabwe and England. New Zealand, on the other hand, has managed to do pretty well so far in this tournament; however, this will be their first game in Sri Lanka in this World Cup, something that could work against them. However, with momentum backing New Zealand, expect the Blackcaps to have the slight upper hand. Therefore, as per our prediction, New Zealand is expected to win the SL vs NZ, 46th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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