New Zealand secured a 61-run win against co-hosts Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026, effectively ending Sri Lanka’s hopes of advancing. The match took place in Colombo on February 25, 2026, and Rachin Ravindra played a key role in the victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium. This win improves New Zealand’s Net Run Rate as they prepare for an important Super 8 match against England. For Sri Lanka, this marked their second consecutive loss, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie lead New Zealand’s recovery
New Zealand’s innings saw them recover from a middle-order collapse to reach a total of 168/7. After opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka took early wickets, with Maheesh Theekshana delivering an impressive performance, claiming 3/30 and dismissing Finn Allen (23) and Mark Chapman without any runs.
Rachin Ravindra contributed a steady 32 off 22 balls, but the Black Caps found themselves struggling at 84/6 in the 13th over after Dushmantha Chameera removed Glenn Phillips (18). The match turned around thanks to a strong partnership of 84 runs for the seventh wicket between Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie, who scored 70 runs in the last four overs. Santner’s innings included 47 runs off 26 balls, featuring four sixes aimed at the leg-side boundaries.
McConchie supported well with an unbeaten 31, giving New Zealand a significant total to defend. The late surge left Sri Lankan bowlers reeling, conceding more runs than average for the ground in an innings.
Rachin Ravindra leads a dominant bowling display
In their defense of 168, New Zealand’s bowlers were effective, dismissing Sri Lanka for only 107. The match started poorly for the hosts when Matt Henry took out Pathum Nissanka on the first ball and followed it up by dismissing Charith Asalanka, leaving Sri Lanka at 6/2.
Ravindra showcased his skills, claiming 4/27, dismantling the Sri Lankan middle order. He took out Kusal Mendis (11) and Pavan Rathnayake (10) in one over through skillful flight and turn, with Tim Seifert executing an expert stumping. Ravindra continued his impressive spell by removing captain Dasun Shanaka and Dushan Hemantha, putting an effective end to any hopes of a comeback.
Kamindu Mendis fought back with 31 runs, and Dunith Wellalage added 29, but the run rate climbed beyond 15, forcing the batters into risky shots, resulting in more wickets falling. Santner capped off his performance by taking out the well-set Kamindu Mendis, while Glenn Phillips finished off the tail, sealing New Zealand’s victory. This win places New Zealand ahead of Pakistan in points, while Sri Lanka becomes the first team to be eliminated from the Super 8 stage.
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