In a dominant display at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, New Zealand scripted a resounding 61-run victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash on Wednesday. This emphatic win has knocked Sri Lanka out of title contention, marking their second consecutive defeat in the group stage.
New Zealand, batting first after losing the toss, posted a challenging 168 for 7 in their 20 overs. The innings kicked off steadily with openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert adding 30 runs in just 3.1 overs before both fell cheaply—Allen for 23 and Seifert for 8. At 34 for 2, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra steadied the ship with a crucial 41-run stand for the third wicket. Ravindra smashed 32 off 22 balls, including four boundaries, before departing.
The middle order crumbled dramatically, slipping to 84 for 6. But captain Mitchell Santner rose to the occasion, forging an unbeaten 84-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Cole McConchie (31 not out). Santner top-scored with 47 off 47 balls, guiding his team to a defendable total. Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera claimed three wickets apiece, with Dunith Wellalage snaring one.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka’s innings imploded from the outset. Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball, followed by Charith Asalanka for 5 at 6 for 2. Brief resistance came from Pavan Rathnayake (10) and Kusal Mendis (31 off 23 balls with four fours), but wickets tumbled regularly. Dunith Wellalage fought with 29, yet the hosts folded at 107 for 8.
Rachin Ravindra was the standout performer, claiming 4 for 27 to earn Player of the Match honors. Matt Henry took 2 wickets, and Santner chipped in with one. With this result, England has qualified for the semifinals from Group 1 with two wins. New Zealand sits second with 3 points from two games, while Pakistan languishes third with 1 point.
Sri Lanka’s campaign ends against Pakistan on February 28, while New Zealand faces England on February 27 in a must-win battle for knockout progression. This victory keeps the Kiwis firmly in the hunt.