Co-hosts Sri Lanka were eliminated from the T20 World Cup after collapsing to a 61-run defeat against New Zealand in Colombo.
Sri Lanka needed a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive and appeared in control during New Zealand’s innings, having restricted the visitors to 98-6 after 16 overs. But a late surge from Mitchell Santner (47 off 26) and Cole McConchie (31* off 23) yielded 70 runs in the final four overs, giving New Zealand a competitive total of 168.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka’s top order quickly crumbled. Matt Henry struck twice in the powerplay, and when Rachin Ravindra had both Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake stumped in the ninth over, Sri Lanka slumped to 29-4. Ravindra finished with figures of 4-27, while Henry ended with 2-3 from two overs, as the hosts were bowled out for 107-8.
Sri Lanka’s Super 8 campaign ends with disappointment after a heavy defeat, while New Zealand remains in contention for a fifth T20 World Cup semi-final.
Sri Lanka had shown promise earlier, with Maheesh Theekshana taking 3-9 from his first three overs and Dushmantha Chameera also performing well. They reduced New Zealand from 75-2 to 84-6 in just under three overs. However, McConchie and Santner’s late partnership of 84 runs completely dismantled the Sri Lanka bowling attack, leaving the home side unable to recover.
New Zealand can secure a semi-final spot with a win over England on Friday, while Sri Lanka face Pakistan in Pallekele on Saturday in their final Super 8 match.
