TOSS
New Zealand opts to bat in Southampton. Hasini Perera returns for Sri Lanka. New Zealand unchanged
Both New Zealand and Sri Lanka come into this fixture in Southampton after facing losses in their campaign openers in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka was outplayed by England in the tournament opener at Edgbaston, while New Zealand, the defending champion, finished second-best in Southampton with the West Indies sealing a famous victory.
These two sides have clashed in 17 T20Is, with the White Ferns winning 14 of them. A win will ease nerves, particularly for New Zealand, which entered as favourite alongside England to emerge safe from this group.
SQUADS
New Zealand: Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi.
Published on Jun 16, 2026
