The pressure is well and proper on both sides as they arrive at the Utilita Bowl hunting for their first points in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
New Zealand will still be kicking themselves after letting a winning position slip away against the West Indies, failing to defend 162 despite a well-made 40 from Brooke Halliday and an incredibly tidy spell of 2 for 17 by Jess Kerr.
Sri Lanka had an even rougher start, completely outclassed by a rampant England side that piled on 219 runs. Nilakshika Silva fought a lonely battle with a gritty 39, but the bowling group failed to find answers, with Malki Madara having a forgettable day at the office after conceding 51 runs.
Getting a handle on the Southampton conditions will be top of the agenda for both camps. For the White Ferns to bounce back, they need their big guns to step up in the crunch moments and iron out the death-overs slip-ups that cost them last time.
Sri Lanka’s path to a comeback relies entirely on early discipline with the ball; they simply cannot afford to let New Zealand’s top order dictate terms early on. If the Kiwi pacers get the ball to talk under the English skies, Sri Lanka’s fragile middle order could be in for a long afternoon, but a disciplined batting display could give their spinners a realistic target to defend.
Head-to-Head:
- Total T20I: 17
- New Zealand Wins: 14
- Sri Lanka Wins: 2
- No Result: 1
New Zealand holds a comfortable lead over Sri Lanka in T20s, however the latter challenged and managed historic wins in the recent past, setting up a thrilling contest this time at the World Cup. Except a close contest as both teams fight for crucial points after a losing start to their T20 World Cup campaign.
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
Where to Watch New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women?
Fans in India can watch the match live on Star Sports channels. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar website and app.
Schedule:
New Zealand Women ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Fixtures –
June 13: vs West Indies Women, Southampton – Lost by 7 wickets
June 16: vs Sri Lanka Women, Southampton
June 19: vs Ireland Women, Southampton
June 23: vs Scotland Women, Bristol
June 27: vs England Women, The Oval
Sri Lanka Women ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Fixtures –
June 12: vs England Women, Birmingham – Lost by 87 runs
June 16: vs New Zealand Women, Southampton
June 21: vs West Indies Women, Bristol
June 23: vs Ireland Women, Bristol
June 26: vs Scotland Women, Manchester
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
For fans in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives –
Catch all the live action on Star Sports channels and JioHotstar.
For fans in Australia –
Catch all the live action on Prime Video.
For fans in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland –
Catch all the live action on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event.
For fans in the United States and Canada –
Catch all the live action on Willow TV.
For fans in New Zealand –
Catch all the live action on Sky Sport.
For fans in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa –
Catch all the live action on SuperSport Cricket.
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