NZ Vs SL: Pakistan’s path will be decided today! New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match will change the mathematics of Super-8, know the possible playing 11 before the match

NZ vs SL ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Preview: The picture of Group-2 in the Super-8 stage of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has now reached the decisive turn. England have confirmed their place in the semi-finals with two consecutive wins, while now only one place is left. There is a tough fight going on between New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for this last ticket. In such a situation, the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match to be played in Colombo has become very important not only for the two teams but also for the future of Pakistan.

Complete Mathematics of Group-2

England is on top with 4 points. New Zealand has one point in its account, as its match against Pakistan was canceled due to rain. At the same time, Pakistan had to face defeat from England, due to which it has slipped to third place with one point on the basis of net run rate. Sri Lanka is currently at the bottom and for them it is like fight or die.

If Sri Lanka beats New Zealand, Pakistan’s hopes can remain very much alive. On the other hand, if New Zealand wins this match by a big margin, then it can go ahead of Pakistan in net run rate and will directly strengthen its claim for the semi-finals. That means it is clear that Pakistan’s fate is deeply linked to the outcome of this match.

pitch and weather report

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner told in the press conference that this match will be played on a fresh pitch. However, there is little possibility of change in Colombo’s circumstances. Spin bowlers can once again play a decisive role. Due to the large field, it will be challenging to score runs in the middle overs. Talking about the weather, it is likely to be cloudy, but there is no possibility of rain – which is a relief news for all the teams.

New Zealand’s strategy

All 15 New Zealand players are fit and available for selection. In the last match against Pakistan, the Kiwis included leg spinner Ish Sodhi, while Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry were seen leading the fast bowling. Considering the impact of spin, New Zealand can avoid making changes in this combination.

Sri Lanka’s hopes

Sri Lanka had replaced Kusal Perera with Kamil Mishra in the last match and it is expected that they will go with the same combination. Captain Dasun Shanaka will once again be expected to perform all-round, while Theekshana and Madushanka will play an important role in the bowling.

New Zealand’s probable playing XI:
Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Sri Lanka’s Probable Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pawan Ratnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Velalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.

This match to be held in Colombo is not just a question of win-loss, but it is a match that will decide the path to the semi-finals. Along with New Zealand and Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s eyes will also be fixed on this match. Cricket fans can witness a high-voltage, strategy-packed encounter here.