Sri Lanka Shocks New Zealand with Historic Win in Women's T20 World Cup

In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka stunned New Zealand, securing their first-ever victory against the defending champions. Chasing 151 runs, Sri Lanka's Nilakshika Silva played a crucial role with an unbeaten half-century, leading her team to a remarkable win. This match not only highlights Sri Lanka's resilience but also marks a significant moment in women's cricket. Discover how the match unfolded and the key performances that led to this historic upset.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 01:47 IST

Sri Lanka's Historic Victory

Southampton [UK], June 17: In a stunning turn of events, Sri Lanka triumphed over defending champions New Zealand in a nail-biting finish during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, marking their first-ever victory against the White Ferns.

Chasing a target of 151 runs, Sri Lanka successfully reached their goal in 19.4 overs, thanks to an impressive unbeaten half-century from Nilakshika Silva. She played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings after a mid-order collapse threatened their chances. Kaushani Nuthyangana, just 23 years old, contributed significantly with a quick 24 runs off 14 balls, hitting the winning runs to secure the victory for Sri Lanka.

This defeat marks New Zealand's second loss in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, having previously succumbed to the West Indies by seven wickets.

New Zealand opted to bat first but faced an early setback with the loss of Isabella Gaze. However, they managed to recover through vital partnerships, with captain Amelia Kerr forming a 49-run partnership with Georgia Plimmer for the second wicket, followed by a 43-run collaboration with Sophie Devine. Kerr and Devine accelerated the scoring in the middle overs, amassing 23 runs in the 10th and 11th overs.

Sri Lanka's bowlers maintained pressure with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. A highlight was Kawya Kavindi's remarkable running catch to dismiss Kerr, who scored 45 runs off 36 balls.

Devine continued her strong performance, scoring 45 runs off 30 balls, which included four boundaries and the only six of the innings. Maddy Green added a quick 18 runs, helping New Zealand finish at 150/6. Kavisha Dilhari was Sri Lanka's standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 35 runs, with contributions from all six bowlers.

In their response, Sri Lanka started cautiously but picked up the pace during the power play, scoring 29 runs in the last two overs of that phase. Captain Chamari Athapaththu set the tone with four boundaries and a six before falling for 27, leading to a brief collapse that left Sri Lanka at 55/4.

Despite New Zealand's improved fielding, they couldn't maintain the pressure as Sri Lanka gradually rebuilt their innings. Georgia Plimmer took a sharp catch to dismiss Vishmi Gunarathne, and Amelia Kerr executed a direct hit to run out Hasini Perera, but the intensity waned as the chase progressed.

Nilakshika Silva then anchored the innings, forming a vital 50-run partnership with Dilhari to revive the chase. Even after Dilhari's run-out, Silva remained composed, guiding the innings alongside wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana.

Silva finished with an unbeaten 54 runs off 37 balls, marking her second T20I half-century, with five fours and a six.