Both teams walk into this fixture desperate to get their campaigns on track after stumbling in their opening matches in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand found themselves on the wrong side of a final-over thriller against the West Indies, failing to defend a total of 162 despite Brooke Halliday’s anchoring 40-run knock and a tight bowling display from Jess Kerr. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had a much tougher day at the office during the tournament opener, crumbling under a massive 219-run target set by England. While Nilakshika Silva showed immense resilience with a fighting 39, the bowling unit leaked heavily, with Malki Madara suffering the brunt of the assault by giving away 51 runs.
Squads:
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze (WK), Amelia Kerr (C), Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Suzie Bates, Polly Inglis, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Bree Illing, Flora Devonshire
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva and Chethana Vimukthi
Players to watch out:
Brooke Halliday
Brooke Halliday made a solid contribution in the middle order during her appearance for New Zealand. Coming out to bat, she faced 32 deliveries and anchored her side with a calculated 40 runs. She struck 5 boundaries along the way without clearing the ropes, finishing her innings with a respectable strike rate of 125.00.
Nilakshika Silva
Playing a crucial anchoring role for Sri Lanka, Nilakshika Silva showed steady composure at the crease. She accumulated 39 runs from 33 deliveries, holding one end together with precision. Her knock included 2 boundaries and an impressive six, wrapping up her stay with a healthy strike rate of 118.18.
Jess Kerr
Jess Kerr provided some critical breakthroughs for New Zealand during her full quota of bowling. She ran in to deliver 4.0 overs, coughing up just 17 runs while bowling with excellent control. Her efforts were rewarded with 2 wickets, earning her an impressive economy rate of 4.25 and an average of 8.50.
Malki Madara
Malki Madara had a tough outing on the field while bowling for Sri Lanka. She completed her full allocation of 4.0 overs but found herself on the receiving end of some heavy hitting, leaking 51 runs. Though it was an expensive spell with an economy rate of 12.75, she did manage to pull back one consolation wicket to her name.
Pitch:
The surface at The Rose Bowl is fundamentally a true batting track that offers good bounce and carry, giving stroke-makers plenty of freedom to play their shots once they get settled. However, morning moisture and overcast skies are highly likely to hand a distinct advantage to the seamers.
Weather:
The daytime weather will be mostly cloudy with a high temperature of 22°C and a low of 15°C. There is a minimal 10% chance of rain during the day, accompanied by a 11 mph breeze coming from the west, while humidity is expected to sit at 68%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Chamari Athapaththu, Mithali Ayodhya, Vishmi Gunaratne, Malki Madara, Nilakshika Silva
Match Details:
Date – June 16, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Rose Bowl, Southampton, England
Broadcast – Star Sports & Jio Hotstar
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