Buoyed NZ aim to seal semifinal spot

"It's not doom, we're not dead if we don't win, but we certainly don't want to be in a position where we leave it up to external factors and out of our own hands."

Head coach Rob Walter knows the stakes. New Zealand need a win to become the second team from Super Eights Group 2 to qualify for the semifinal. They will arrive into this match with the recent evidence of beating Sri Lanka convincingly at this venue, when Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie joined hands at 84/6 and took the match beyond the hosts.

"I mean obviously pretty chipper," Walter said about the mood in the camp. "We always talk about momentum, but there [that partnership] was probably a significant momentum shift in the game. And then I thought the guys bowled exceptionally well and fielded exceptionally well."

But he knows there's more to be done just yet. "it's hard not to be feeling pretty good after a win like that, but it's just one win in the journey and there's a couple more required," he was quick to add. "I think, sort of history tells you that through the Super 8s, you can't always win. I mean, obviously, there are some teams who have already found their way through to the semi-finals, England being one of them. But for us, we've sort of tried to place an emphasis on every game. But it's really taking care of the ball-by-ball process really, and hopefully that takes care of the result."

Mitchell Santner, speaking after the win over Sri Lanka, said he's ready for another potential "slugfest" at the venue against England, who have already qualified but the adjustment they need will be sharper. This is not Wankhede. Not Eden Gardens. Not even Pallekele. The ball does not bounce as much and the boundaries are expansive. There is no altitude to carry a mishit into the stands. Premadasa asks different questions and it will be telling how fully England choose to engage with the slowest and most spin-friendly venue of this T20 World Cup.

Tim Southee, part of England's support staff, says the team is all up for the challenge. "I think we've got a very well balanced side," he said. "You obviously come here and it seems to be a bit heavier on the spin side. I think you look at the bowlers and the batters that offer you a spin option as well when you come to grounds like this.

"We've seen spin's played such a big part here, it's a big ground and offered plenty for the spinners. So it doesn't mean seamers can't have an impact. Matt Henry last night starting things off, so I think touching back on the balance of the side, being able to have guys that can offer spin options as well as having obviously pace bowlers and plenty of spin options, both sides I think have multiple options on a surface like that."

Beyond the ropes, Pakistan will be watching closely. Their equation is simple enough: a New Zealand defeat, preferably heavy, keeps the door ajar for them.

When: Match 49, Friday, 27 February, 2026, at 7:00 PM local

Where: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

What to expect: It's the same pitch that was used for the SL-NZ match, so expect spin, seams and uneven boundary dimensions once again in play. It's set to be another hot and dry day for cricket in Colombo.

Team news

New Zealand

After that win over Sri Lanka, they are likely to stick with the same XI. If they are looking to rest Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy might slot in.

Probable XI: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson/Jacob Duffy

England

Rehan Ahmed might come in as a spin-bowling allrounder.

Probable XI: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook(c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton/Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

Did you know?

New Zealand pacers have averaged less than three wickets per match in T20Is in 2026 and they are conceding at 10.45/over, the highest ever for them in a calendar year.

England openers have the worst aggregate of all teams that qualified for the Super 8s with a solitary 50+ score in 12 innings between them.

What they said:

"I've played with Jos and played a lot against Jos and one of the most dangerous white ball batters to have played the game. I think when you're that good and you have a little blip then I guess you feel a little bit more pressure, but he's hitting it as well as he has in the nets. I'm sure he's only a couple of good strikes away from another amazing run of from that we've seen so many of from Jos over the years." - Tim Southee

"It was a wonderful innings from Harry Brook. I think everyone has spoken and written about that. There's no doubt he's a wonderful player. Obviously he scored 100 against us in New Zealand. So we're well aware of his quality. To be honest, where in the order he comes in is probably irrelevant. You've still got to bowl him whether it's in the first over or the 15th over. So, yeah, batting orders can be sort of overstated at times and I think whatever decision they make will be ready for him." - Rob Walter