New Zealand Thrash Sri Lanka by 61 Runs; Ravindra’s All-Round Brilliance Seals Near Semi-Final Spot
Co-hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team were pushed to the brink of elimination after a dominant 61-run defeat to New Zealand national cricket team in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday.
The star of the night was Rachin Ravindra, who delivered a superb all-round performance, claiming a career-best 4/27 after scoring a handy 32 with the bat.
Santner–McConchie Rescue Act Powers New Zealand to 168/7
After being asked to bat first, New Zealand recovered from a mid-innings wobble thanks to a crucial 84-run seventh-wicket partnership between captain Mitchell Santner (47 off 26; 2×4, 4×6) and Cole McConchie (31* off 23; 3×4, 2×6).
At one stage, the Blackcaps had slumped, losing four wickets for just nine runs between the 9.3 and 12.1 overs, with Maheesh Theekshana (3/30) and Dushmantha Chameera (3/38) applying the brakes effectively.
However, McConchie launched a counterattack in the 17th over, smashing two sixes and a four off Chameera in an 18-run burst. Santner followed up by taking 21 runs off Theekshana in the 18th over, as New Zealand plundered 70 runs in the final four overs to post a competitive 168/7.
Earlier, Finn Allen (23 off 13) and Ravindra (32 off 22) had provided a brisk start before Theekshana’s variations triggered a collapse.
Henry’s Powerplay Blow, Ravindra’s Spin Finish Sri Lanka
Defending 168, New Zealand dominated from the outset. Matt Henry struck with the very first ball, dismissing Pathum Nissanka for a golden duck with a sharp in-swinger. He then removed Charith Asalanka (5), leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 20/2 in the powerplay.
Ravindra then spun a web around the middle order. He dismissed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in quick succession via sharp stumpings, before removing skipper Dasun Shanaka and Dushan Hemantha with cleverly disguised deliveries.
Santner chipped in with 1/19, accounting for Kamindu Mendis (31), Sri Lanka’s top scorer.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka faltered once again — much like their 95 all out against England — and managed only 107/8, confirming their near-certain exit from the tournament.
What This Means
The emphatic win boosts New Zealand’s net run rate significantly and all but secures their semi-final berth. Pakistan must now secure a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
New Zealand will next face England on Friday, while Pakistan take on the already-eliminated Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday.
