Now or never for Sri Lanka

Co-hosts Sri Lanka are staring at a potential Super Eights exit when they face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup in Colombo today.

The Lankans have endured a mixed campaign -- a thumping win over Australia followed by defeats to Zimbabwe and England. A heavy 51-run loss to England has left them with no margin for error. Another setback against the resilient Black Caps would all but end their tournament.

New Zealand, meanwhile, come in after their Super Eights clash against Pakistan was washed out.

*Head-to-head: The sides have met 28 times in T20Is. New Zealand lead with 16 wins to Sri Lanka’s nine, while two matches ended in ties and one in no result.

*T20 World Cups: Sri Lanka edge the Black Caps with three wins in six meetings. New Zealand have two, while the other ended in a tie before Sri Lanka won the one-over eliminator.

*In Sri Lanka: The Black Caps lead 5-3 in 10 meetings, with one tie and one no result.

*Last meeting: In December 2024, New Zealand beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in a three-match T20I series at home.

*At R. Premadasa Stadium: Sri Lanka lost both previous T20Is against New Zealand here, back in 2009.

*Venue trend: The average first-innings total at the Premadasa in this tournament is 173 (five completed games).

*Pathum Nissanka has scored 246 runs, averaging 27.33 at a strike rate of 120 against New Zealand, while Kusal Mendis has 314 runs at 132.48, averaging 26.16 in 12 matches.

*New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner has taken 14 wickets at an average of 6.38 in 11 matches against Sri Lanka.

*Scoring rate: Across four completed games, New Zealand are striking at 10.37 runs per over -- the best in the tournament. Sri Lanka are fifth at 8.92.

*Bowling contrast: Despite their batting dominance, New Zealand rank bottom for wickets taken (14 in four games). Sri Lanka have 30 in five matches, while India lead the chart with 41.