Co-hosts Sri Lanka have been eliminated from the T20 World Cup after suffering a 61-run defeat to New Zealand men’s cricket team in Colombo.
Sri Lanka needed a win to stay in contention for the semi-finals. Their bowlers initially restricted New Zealand to 98-6 after 16 overs, leaving the home fans hopeful.
However, a late surge from Mitchell Santner (47 off 26 balls) and Cole McConchie (31 not out from 23) added 70 runs in the final four overs. This boosted New Zealand to a total of 168, leaving Sri Lanka with a challenging chase.
Sri Lanka’s top order faltered early. Fast bowler Matt Henry took two key wickets in the powerplay, and by the ninth over, Rachin Ravindra had stumped both Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake, leaving Sri Lanka at 29-4.
Ravindra contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 32 from 22 balls and taking 4-27, while Henry ended with figures of 2-3 from two overs. Sri Lanka ultimately managed 107-8, handing New Zealand a comprehensive victory.
Earlier in the innings, Sri Lanka’s bowlers looked dominant. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana impressed with 3-9 from his first three overs, and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera also performed well. The pair reduced New Zealand from 75-2 to 84-6 in less than three overs.
Yet the hosts failed to maintain momentum. McConchie began the counterattack, and Santner completed a brutal display of hitting, putting Sri Lanka under pressure with an 84-run partnership.
With this win, New Zealand keeps their semi-final hopes alive, while Sri Lanka exits the tournament. Both teams have one Super 8 match remaining: New Zealand face England on Friday, and Sri Lanka play Pakistan in Pallekele on Saturday
