Brief scores: New Zealand (168/7 in 20 ov) beat Sri Lanka (107/8 in 20 ov) by 61 runs in Colombo in a Super 8 match.
NZ vs SL T20 WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
New Zealand have strengthened their chances of securing a semi-final berth at the T20 World Cup 2026 after knocking Sri Lanka out of the competition. On Wednesday, February 25, Mitchell Santner’s men delivered a dominant performance to beat the co-hosts by 61 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The Black Caps’ victory has left Pakistan in deep trouble heading into their final league match against Sri Lanka. To qualify, Pakistan must not only defeat Sri Lanka but also hope England beat New Zealand in their last Super 8 fixture. Even then, their progression will not be guaranteed, as net run rate could determine which of the two sides advances to the semi-finals with England already in the top four.
New Zealand had a few nervy moments during the contest against Sri Lanka, but Cole McConchie and Mitchell Santner steadied the innings before the spinners seized control. Rachin Ravindra then produced a superb spell, troubling the Sri Lankan batters with his guile and variations to keep the Black Caps firmly on top.
For Sri Lanka, it marked the fifth successive T20 World Cup in which they have failed to reach the semi-finals since lifting the title in 2014.
MCCONCHIE, SANTNER RESCUE NEW ZEALAND
After being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted 168 for seven, a total that would have looked unlikely had Cole McConchie and Mitchell Santner not rescued them in a moment of crisis. The Kiwis began fluently, with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen adding 30 runs for the opening wicket. However, Sri Lanka hit back strongly — Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Allen before Dushmantha Chameera removed the dangerous Seifert.
Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings with a 41-run stand for the third wicket. But just as they looked set to accelerate, New Zealand suffered a dramatic collapse, slipping from 75 for two to 84 for six, losing four wickets for just nine runs in the space of 17 balls.
Theekshana was outstanding, finishing with figures of 4-0-30-3, as Sri Lanka seized control. With the momentum firmly with the hosts, McConchie and Santner turned the tide. The pair stitched together a crucial 84-run partnership for the seventh wicket off just 47 balls, reviving New Zealand’s innings and shifting the momentum back in their favour.
In the final five overs, the duo went on the offensive, plundering 78 runs. Santner led from the front with a blistering 47 off 26 deliveries, including four sixes, while McConchie remained unbeaten on 31 off 23 balls. Apart from Theekshana, Chameera also impressed, picking up three wickets to keep Sri Lanka in the contest.
HOW RACHIN ROCKED SRI LANKA
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka suffered an early blow when Pathum Nissanka, arguably their most in-form T20I batter, fell for a golden duck to Matt Henry. Charith Asalanka, who came in for Kamil Mishara, also failed to make an impact.
From there, Rachin Ravindra dismantled the Sri Lankan middle order with remarkable ease. He struck with his very first delivery, removing Kusal Mendis, and later in the same over had Pavan Rathnayake stumped. Ravindra continued his impressive spell by dismissing hard-hitter Dasun Shanaka before sending back Dushan Hemantha.
Finishing with figures of 4-0-27-4, Ravindra effectively ended any hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback. His spell left the hosts reeling at 59 for six, with the required run rate climbing rapidly. Kamindu Mendis offered some resistance with a composed 31, but Mitchell Santner tightened the screws further to compound Sri Lanka’s problems.
From that point, the result was only a matter of time. Sri Lanka eventually limped to 107 for eight in their 20 overs, falling well short of the target. The comprehensive win put New Zealand firmly in contention for a semi-final berth, with one foot in the knockouts.
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