New Zealand Secures Victory Over Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup Clash

In a decisive match at the ICC T20 World Cup, New Zealand secured a 61-run victory over Sri Lanka, eliminating the co-hosts from the tournament. Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner played pivotal roles in this win, with Ravindra taking four wickets and Santner scoring a crucial 47 runs. New Zealand's performance in the Super Eight stage now hinges on their upcoming match against England, while Sri Lanka's hopes for advancement have ended after two consecutive losses. This match showcased the resilience of the Kiwis and the challenges faced by the Sri Lankan team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 23:06 IST

Match Overview

In a thrilling encounter at Colombo, New Zealand triumphed over Sri Lanka by 61 runs, thanks to stellar performances from Rachin Ravindra and captain Mitchell Santner. This victory eliminated the co-hosts from the ICC T20 World Cup.

Super Eight Standings

Following this win, New Zealand has moved to second place in the Super Eight standings with three points, having previously gained one point from a rain-affected match against Pakistan. Their upcoming match against England is crucial for their semifinal aspirations. Pakistan, their closest rival, could also reach three points if they defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight match. If New Zealand loses and Pakistan wins, the net run rate will determine who advances to the semifinals. Sri Lanka, having lost both of their matches, has been knocked out of the tournament.

Sri Lanka's Chase

Chasing a target of 169 runs, Sri Lanka faced an early setback when Matt Henry bowled out Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball. He followed this by dismissing Charith Asalanka for just five runs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 6/2 within 2.1 overs.

Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake struggled to find their rhythm during the powerplay, concluding the first six overs at 20/2 and managing only 14 runs in the next 3.5 overs after Asalanka's dismissal.

Spinners Take Control

Sri Lanka's cautious approach hindered their progress, as Rachin Ravindra took two quick wickets, dismissing Kusal (11) and Pavan (10) in the ninth over, leaving them at 29/4. By the halfway mark, they were at 45/4, having lost their captain Dasun Shanaka to Ravindra earlier.

Despite some resistance from Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu, Ravindra claimed his fourth wicket by removing Dushan Hemalatha for just three runs, leaving Sri Lanka at 59/6 in 12.2 overs.

Ultimately, Sri Lanka managed only 107 runs in their 20 overs, with Dushmantha Chameera (7*) and Maheesh Theekshana (1*) remaining not out. Rachin Ravindra was the standout bowler for New Zealand with figures of 4/27, while Henry impressed with 2/3 in his two overs.

New Zealand's Innings

Earlier in the match, New Zealand posted a total of 168/7, thanks to a record-setting partnership between Cole McConchie and Mitchell Santner. After being in a precarious position at 84/6, the duo formed the highest partnership for the seventh wicket or lower in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Hussey and Steve Smith.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first. Finn Allen provided a brisk start, hitting three fours in the second over. However, by the fifth over, New Zealand found themselves in trouble as Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmanta Chameera took crucial wickets, reducing them to 34/2.

New Zealand ended the powerplay at 44/2. Glenn Phillips and Rachin attempted to stabilize the innings, but Chameera struck again, dismissing Phillips for 18 runs. The Kiwis continued to falter, losing Rachin (32) and Mark Chapman (0) in quick succession, leaving them at 84/6.

Remarkable Recovery

In a remarkable turnaround, McConchie broke a 33-ball boundary drought in the 16th over and launched a counter-attack, scoring 18 runs in one over. The partnership with Santner flourished, with both players hitting boundaries and bringing the team to a competitive total.

In the final over, Santner scored a quick 47 runs off 26 balls, including two fours and four sixes, before being dismissed by Chameera. Theekshana (3/30) and Chameera (3/38) were the leading bowlers for Sri Lanka.

Match Summary

Brief Scores: New Zealand: 168/7 (Mitchell Santner 47, Rachin Ravindra 32, Maheesh Theekshana 3/30) defeated Sri Lanka: 107/8 (Kamindu Mendis 31, Dunith Wellalage 29, Rachin Ravindra 4/27).