New Zealand secured a 61-run victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka in a crucial Super Eights match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, eliminating the home team from the T20 World Cup 2026. Rachin Ravindra's four-wicket haul and useful batting contribution proved decisive in the win. The result leaves New Zealand in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals.
The match on February 25, 2026, saw Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka win the toss and elect to bowl first. New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen started steadily, reaching 30 without loss, but Sri Lanka's bowlers struck back quickly. Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Allen, and Dushmantha Chameera removed Seifert, reducing New Zealand to 34/2 after the powerplay.
A 41-run stand between Rachin Ravindra (32 off 22) and Glenn Phillips provided respite, but a middle-order collapse followed. New Zealand lost four wickets for nine runs, slumping to 84/6. However, captain Mitchell Santner (47 off 26, including four sixes) and Cole McConchie (31 not out off 23) staged a remarkable recovery, adding 84 runs for the seventh wicket. They scored 70 off the last four overs, helping New Zealand reach 168/7. Theekshana finished with 3-30, and Chameera took 3-38.
In the chase, Matt Henry struck immediately, bowling Pathum Nissanka with the first ball of the innings. Charith Asalanka soon followed, leaving Sri Lanka at 6/2 after the powerplay (20/2). Ravindra then dismantled the middle order, claiming Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake stumped in the same over to make it 29/4. He added two more wickets for figures of 4-27.
Kamindu Mendis (31 off 23) and Dunith Wellalage (29 off 23) offered resistance, but Sri Lanka managed only 107/8. Henry took 2-3 in two overs. Post-match, Shanaka said, "It's embarrassing to disappoint the home crowd, they've been very supportive." Santner noted, "To hit 160 was nice." Ravindra, player of the match, added, "It's always pleasing to have a win like that."
Sri Lanka's elimination follows their loss to England, while New Zealand, with three points, eye a semi-final spot against England next.
