New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs in the Super 8 match of the 2026 WT20. It was a clinical performance by the Kiwis at the R Premadasa Stadium. New Zealand were put into bat first and started off quickly as they smashed 30 runs in three overs. Sri Lanka struck back immediately as both the openers departed and New Zealand were reduced to 34/2. Phillips and Ravindra stitched up a partnership as New Zealand recovered to 75/2. Chameera returned to the attack and picked up Philips with a peach of a delivery as the batter was castled. Sri Lankan spinners came back very strongly and triggered a collapse.
New Zealand went from 84/3 to 84/6 in a matter of few overs as Wellalage and Theekshana picked up wickets in clusters. It was a masterclass of spin bowling from the duo. Mitchell and Chapman fell cheaply and New Zealand were under immense trouble at 84/6. Mitch Santner joined Cole McConchie and they stitched up a partnership. Both batters started slowly but went all guns blazing in the last four overs of the innings.
Santner and McConchie had a terrific partnership and smashed 70 runs of the last 4 overs to help New Zealand reach a total of 168/7 at the end of the first innings. Santner ended up with 47 of 26 while McConchie scored 31 of 23. It was a great comeback from New Zealand and with the surface being tricky it was an above par total.
Chasing the target of 168, Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start as they lost Pathum Nissanka for a duck in the first ball. Matt Henry was excellent with the new ball and picked up the second wicket as Asalanka went for 5. Sri Lanka lost two wickets but after that they did not show any intent. New Zealand were right on top as Sri Lanka were just 20/2 at the end of the powerplay. With the pressure building up, Rachin Ravindra was brought into the attack and picked up two wickets in the same over as Sri Lanka were 29/4 and completely out of the game.
Shanaka also was dismissed by Ravindra as he had three wickets in two overs and Sri Lanka were out of the game with 46/5. It was too much to do from there but Kamindu Mendis tried his best as he scored a flurry of boundaries. Sri Lanka were restricted to 107/8 as New Zealand won the game and their NRR became very healthy. Rachin Ravindra was the player of the match for his all-round performance.
