Ravindra Rocks! New Zealand Humiliate Sri Lanka by 61 Runs & End Their World Cup
Colombo, 26 February (Sports Desk)
New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights Group 2 match on February 25, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This result eliminated the co-hosts Sri Lanka from the tournament, while boosting New Zealand’s semi-final prospects.
Match Summary
- New Zealand innings: 168/7 in 20 overs After being inserted to bat, New Zealand struggled early, slipping to 84/6 against Sri Lanka’s spinners (Maheesh Theekshana 3/30, Dushmantha Chameera 3/38). A stunning recovery came via an 84-run seventh-wicket stand — a T20 World Cup record for that wicket — between captain Mitchell Santner (47 off 26 balls, including 2 fours and 4 sixes) and Cole McConchie (31* off 23 balls, with 3 fours and 2 sixes). Rachin Ravindra contributed 32 off 22 balls earlier to help stabilize.
- Sri Lanka innings (target 169): 107/8 in 20 overs The chase collapsed dramatically. Opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball by Matt Henry (2/3 in his spell). Sri Lanka slumped to 29/4, with Rachin Ravindra (left-arm spin) delivering a career-best 4/27, including a double-strike in one over where he had Kusal Mendis (11) and Pavan Rathnayake stumped. Top scorers for Sri Lanka were Kamindu Mendis (31 off 23) and Dunith Wellalage (29 off 23), but the middle order offered little resistance on a slow, spin-friendly pitch.
New Zealand’s bowlers dominated, restricting boundaries (Sri Lanka managed only 38 from boundaries vs. New Zealand’s 100) and sealing a comprehensive win.
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Player of the Match
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) earned the award for his all-round performance: 32 (22) with the bat + 4/27 (his best T20I figures) with the ball, dismantling Sri Lanka’s middle order and turning the game decisively.
This was a must-win for Sri Lanka, but their batting faltered under pressure, leading to an early tournament exit. New Zealand’s fighting spirit, especially the late batting surge and spin mastery, proved key. 🇳🇿🏆
