New Zealand paceman Tim Southee has confirmed Daryl Mitchell will return for the Kiwis for Saturday's clash with Sri Lanka, with middle-order batsman Mark Chapman the unlucky man to make way.

The Kiwis enter the match atop Group 1 with one win and one non-result from their opening two fixtures, with a win over Sri Lanka likely booking them a spot in the knockout stage.

Southee and co. got their campaign underway in style with a dominant win over hosting nation Australia last week, while their matchup with Afghanistan didn't go ahead due to heavy rainfall.

Looking to continue their unbeaten start, New Zealand will be bolstered by Mitchell's return from a fractured finger, however it means Chapman finds himself back on the outer.

"Daryl has come through all the tests he needs to come through from obviously suffering a broken hand a few weeks back," Southee said, via t20worldcup.com.

"I think he comes back in for the side tomorrow.

"I think it's probably Mark Chapman the one that's, I guess, the unlucky one who came in for Daryl in the Tri-Series against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

"Yeah, it's unlucky, I guess, for Mark Chapman, who hasn't really done anything wrong, but I think the way that Daryl -- he's a valuable member of the side and he's done well for us, so yeah, now that he's fit and ready, he just comes back in. He'll slot back in there."

Chapman wasn't utilised in the 89-run win over Australia, having been left waiting at sixth in the batting order as the Kiwis battered the Aussies for 200 for the loss of only three wickets.

Micthell's last appearance for New Zealand came against Australia last month, where he recorded 16 with the bat and recorded now wickets from two overs in the 25-run loss.