Colombo: Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign has ended following a comprehensive defeat against New Zealand, leaving the co-hosts without a path to the semi-finals. The T20 World Cup setback has unfolded after Sri Lanka failed to defend a strong position late in the first innings and then suffered a top-order collapse during the chase.
New Zealand appeared under pressure at 98-6 after 16 overs, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers controlling proceedings. Maheesh Theekshana delivered an impressive spell of 3-9 from his first three overs, while Dushmantha Chameera also kept the scoring in check as New Zealand slipped from 75-2 to 84-6.
However, momentum shifted dramatically in the final four overs. Mitchell Santner struck 47 from 26 balls and Cole McConchie remained unbeaten on 31 from 23 deliveries as New Zealand added 70 runs in the closing stages. The late acceleration lifted the total to 169, setting Sri Lanka a competitive target.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gained stability. Fast bowler Matt Henry removed two batters in the powerplay, and further damage followed when Rachin Ravindra dismissed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in the ninth over. At 29-4, the contest had effectively tilted beyond recovery.
Ravindra, who also contributed 32 from 22 with the bat, completed figures of 4-27 to cap a strong all-round display. Henry finished with 2-3 from two overs before being rested, as Sri Lanka managed only 107-8.
New Zealand remain in contention for a fifth T20 World Cup semi-final and can confirm qualification with victory over England. Sri Lanka, who had earlier lost to England in the Super 8s, will conclude their campaign against Pakistan in Pallekele.
DON’T MISS | Bodo defeat Inter to reach Champions League last 16
