In a commanding performance at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, New Zealand knocked co-hosts Sri Lanka out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals race with a resounding 61-run win. The Black Caps, led by Mitchell Santner’s explosive batting and Rachin Ravindra’s all-round brilliance, showcased their resilience and spin prowess to outclass the home side in this Super Eights Group 2 clash.
New Zealand’s Resilient Batting Sets the Tone
Opting to bat first after Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss, New Zealand faced early pressure from the hosts’ bowlers. The Black Caps stumbled to 84/6, losing three wickets without adding a run at one stage. However, a record-breaking seventh-wicket partnership of 84 runs off just 47 balls between skipper Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie turned the innings around. This stand is now the highest for the seventh wicket in T20 World Cup history.
Santner, batting at No. 8, smashed an unbeaten 47 off 26 balls, including two fours and four sixes, while McConchie contributed a steady 31 not out off 23 deliveries with three fours and two sixes. Earlier, Rachin Ravindra provided a solid foundation with 32 off 22 balls. The late surge saw New Zealand plunder 70 runs in the final four overs, finishing at 168/7.
For Sri Lanka, off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers with 3/30, while pacer Dushmantha Chameera claimed 3/38. Despite their efforts, the hosts couldn’t contain the Kiwi lower order.
Sri Lanka’s Chase Derails Under Spin Assault
Chasing 169 on a spin-friendly pitch, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Pacer Matt Henry set the tone in the powerplay, delivering a miserly spell of 2/3 in two overs, dismissing key openers and leaving the hosts reeling early.
From there, New Zealand’s spinners took over, bowling 17 overs of spin that proved too much for the Lankans. Rachin Ravindra starred with career-best figures of 4/27, dismantling the middle order. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 31, and Dunith Wellalage added 29, but no other batter reached double figures consistently. Sri Lanka limped to 107/8, falling short by a massive margin.
Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra’s All-Round Heroics
Rachin Ravindra was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning contributions. His 32 runs steadied the innings, and his bowling spell of 4/27 sealed the deal, highlighting New Zealand’s depth in all departments.
Implications for the Tournament
This defeat not only eliminates Sri Lanka from semi-final contention but also impacts other teams’ qualification scenarios, including Pakistan’s hopes taking a hit. New Zealand, with this clinical display, strengthens their position in the Super Eights and sends a strong message to rivals.
The match, played in front of a passionate home crowd, underscored New Zealand’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure, making them serious contenders for the T20 World Cup 2026 title.
Scorecard Summary
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 168/7 (20 overs) | Mitchell Santner 47 (26), Cole McConchie 31* (23), Rachin Ravindra 32 (22) |
| Sri Lanka | 107/8 (20 overs) | Kamindu Mendis 31, Dunith Wellalage 29 |
Video Source: YouTube
