SL vs NZ: Why did James Neesham miss T20 World Cup 2026 match 46?

James Neesham was part of all five of New Zealand’s previous matches in the T20 World Cup 2026.

New Zealand are locking horns with Sri Lanka in their second match of the Super 8 Round in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 25 (Wednesday). The SL vs NZ clash, which is taking place at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, is a must-win game for both sides to remain alive in the race for the playoffs.

While Sri Lanka will be eliminated if they lose the clash, New Zealand’s chances to qualify for the semi-final would diminish. Both teams have two more games left in Round 2. While Black Caps have one point following their washed-out clash against Pakistan, Sri Lanka have 0 points after losing their first game against England.

The Dasun Shanaka & Co. won the toss and opted to bowl first in the match. At the toss, Shanaka informed that they have made one change to their playing XI, replacing Kamal Mishara with Charith Asalanka.

On the other hand, Mitchell Santner revealed that New Zealand also made one change to the playing XI. James Neesham, who was part of all previous games, was not part of the match.

Why is James Neesham not playing against Sri Lanka?

Notably, Neesham has been dropped for the match and replaced by Cole McConchie. Since Neesham is a seam all-rounder and the Premadasa Stadium has a turning wicket, spin all-rounder Cole McConchie was preferred over him in the playing XI.

Revealing New Zealand’s playing XI, Santner said, “We’ve made one change – Cole McConhie comes in for Jimmy Neesham – which gives us a bit more spin in the middle order. It adds balance, but a lot will depend on the ground dimensions. I think whichever side is smarter in using the bigger side of the boundary will have a pretty good day”.

Backing the decision to bowl first, Shanaka stated, “We’re going to bowl first. There might be some assistance for the spinners, but you never really know what the surface will offer, so we felt bowling first was the right call. We’ve made one change – Kamal Mishara misses out and Charith Asalanka comes into the side, which adjusts our top order slightly”.

Meanwhile, Neesham got a chance to bat in only one game out of five against South Africa, where he scored an unbeaten 23 runs and picked up one wicket. He bowled in four games and hunted two scalps at an economy of 9.30.

New Zealand (Playing 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.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.

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