NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today: Match 46, Super 8 Group 2 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Fantasy Cricket Tips & Playing XI
Get the best NZ vs SL Dream11 prediction for Match 46 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Expert fantasy tips, pitch report for R. Premadasa Stadium, and top captaincy picks.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its business end, and the Super 8 stage is heating up. Match 46 brings us a heavyweight clash between New Zealand (Black Caps) and Sri Lanka (Lions) at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
With both teams fighting for a spot in the semi-finals, this encounter is more than just a game; it is a battle for survival and momentum. For fantasy cricket fans, this match offers a goldmine of opportunities, featuring world-class all-rounders and master spinners.
NZ vs SL Match Details
- Match: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 46th Match, Super 8 Group 2 (Y2 v Y4)
- Series: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Time: 07:00 PM LOCAL | 01:30 PM GMT | 07:00 PM IST
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium is a classic subcontinental track. Historically, it has been a spinner’s paradise, especially as the match progresses.
- Powerplay Advantage: Batters can find some joy against the new ball, but the bounce is often lower than in New Zealand.
- Middle Overs: Expect the likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santner to dominate. The ball tends to grip and turn significantly.
- Toss Factor: Chasing can be tricky under lights if the surface starts staying low. Winning the toss and batting first to put a high total on the board is often the preferred strategy.
NZ vs SL Squads
New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry.
Sri Lanka Squad
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha.
NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand (NZ)
- Finn Allen
- Devon Conway (WK)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Tim Seifert
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- James Neesham
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
- Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka (SL)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (WK)
- Kamil Mishara
- Charith Asalanka
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanaka (C)
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Dushan Hemantha / Dilshan Madushanka
Key Players for Dream11 Top Picks
Best Picks for New Zealand
- Rachin Ravindra: His ability to anchor the innings and bowl handy left-arm spin makes him a mandatory pick in Colombo conditions.
- Mitchell Santner: As the captain and primary spinner, his four overs will be the most crucial for the Black Caps.
- Glenn Phillips: A dynamic player who contributes in all three departments. His off-spin could be a “secret weapon” on this surface.
Best Picks for Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka: Sri Lanka’s most consistent run-scorer in the T20 format. He is adept at handling both pace and spin.
- Maheesh Theekshana: His “mystery” spin is difficult to read, especially for batters not accustomed to high-quality subcontinental turners.
- Kusal Mendis: An explosive wicket-keeper batter who can take the game away in the Powerplay.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today: Fantasy Team Suggestion
Here is a balanced Dream11 team based on current form and pitch conditions:
| Position | Player Name | Team |
| Wicket-Keeper | Kusal Mendis, Tim Seifert | Mixed |
| Batters | Pathum Nissanka (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell | Mixed |
| All-Rounders | Rachin Ravindra (VC), Mitchell Santner, Dunith Wellalage | Mixed |
| Bowlers | Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Ish Sodhi | Mixed |
Captaincy & Vice-Captaincy Choices
- Captain (C): Pathum Nissanka. Playing in his backyard, his technical prowess makes him likely to score big.
- Vice-Captain (VC): Rachin Ravindra. His dual-role capabilities are unmatched in this fixture.
- Differential Pick: Maheesh Theekshana. If Sri Lanka bowls second, he could easily pick up a 3-wicket haul.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
While New Zealand has a robust T20 record, playing Sri Lanka in Colombo during a World Cup is one of the toughest challenges in cricket. The spin duo of Theekshana and Wellalage gives Sri Lanka a slight edge on this specific surface.
Predicted Winner: Sri Lanka (SL)
FAQs
1. What is the weather forecast for the NZ vs SL match?
The weather in Colombo is expected to be humid with a 10% chance of isolated showers, which shouldn’t disrupt the match significantly.
2. Is Devon Conway fit to play?
Yes, Devon Conway is expected to open the batting and keep wickets for the Black Caps.
3. Who has the better record at R. Premadasa Stadium?
Sri Lanka has a massive home advantage here, having played a significant portion of their T20 cricket at this venue.
4. Can I change my Dream11 team after the toss?
Yes, you can make changes until the official start of the match. Always check for the confirmed playing XI before finalizing.
Conclusion
The NZ vs SL Dream11 prediction suggests a tightly contested match where spin will be the deciding factor. While the Black Caps have the firepower, the Lions have the local expertise. For your fantasy teams, prioritize spinners and top-order batters who can negotiate the turning ball.
