New Zealand Delivers Annihilation In Colombo, Sends Sri Lanka Home From T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in Colombo. [Source - AFP Photos]

New Zealand got the better of Sri Lanka in Super 8 Clash at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday, February 25th. An all-round performance from the Kiwis powered them to a commanding 61-run victory, sending Sri Lanka home from the T20 World Cup 2026.

Here, we take a look at the complete highlights of this thrilling Super 8 clash as the action unfolded on February 25th, with New Zealand's dominance ensuring Sri Lanka's exit from the tournament.

New Zealand’s Flying Start And Sri Lanka’s Perfect Response

Desperate for a win after the England's loss, Sri Lanka asked New Zealand to bat first, who came out blazing as Finn Allen tore into the attack as usual. Scoring at nearly ten an over inside the first three overs, the Kiwis pushed Sri Lanka onto the backfoot early inside the powerplay.

Desperate for a breakthrough, Dasun Shanaka turned to Maheesh Theekshana, who struck immediately, dismissing Allen after a brisk cameo. Pressure mounted quickly as Dushmantha Chameera removed Tim Seifert next over, leaving New Zealand 44 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.

Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra rebuilt smartly, finding timely boundaries and shifting gears in the middle-overs. Dushan Hemantha went for some runs, but Sri Lanka responded again as Phillips fell to a 144 kmph Chameera ripper, crashing into the stumps as New Zealand reached 75 for 3 at halfway.

Santner-McConchie Stand Sparks New Zealand Comeback

Looking to counter-attack with their middle-order firepower, New Zealand instead ran into Sri Lanka’s disciplined finger spin. Returning for their second spells after the powerplay, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage bowled brilliantly, triggering a collapse with three quick wickets and reducing the Blackcaps to 84 for 6.

With nearly eight overs remaining, the pressure was immense on New Zealand before Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie came together to rebuild. Mixing caution with calculated aggression, the duo absorbed pressure before launching a timely counterattack to shift momentum.

Sri Lanka, once firmly in control, slowly lost their grip as the seventh-wicket pair added a decisive 84 runs partnership. Santner’s 47 off 26 and McConchie’s unbeaten 31 off 23 powered New Zealand to a competitive 168, giving their bowlers a clear chance on a tricky R. Premadasa Stadium surface.

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Ravindra’s Four-For Headlines Sri Lanka Collapse as New Zealand Seal Crucial Win

In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase of 169 never took off as Matt Henry struck on the very first ball, bowling Pathum Nissanka. He soon removed Charith Asalanka, leaving Sri Lanka rattled early inside the powerplay. With tight spells from McConchie, Santner and Lockie Ferguson, Sri Lanka managed just 20 for 2 in the powerplay.

Under mounting pressure, Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake struggled to shift gears, completely surrendering themselves as memories of their previous collapse lingered. New Zealand sensed hesitation and tightened the screws, never allowing Sri Lanka to rebuild or find momentum on a slowing surface.

Wickets tumbled quickly once Rachin Ravindra came into the attack and ran through the middle order with a stunning four-wicket haul. Kamindu Mendis fought briefly before falling to Mitchell Santner, as New Zealand got over the line at the end with ease, keeping themselves well and truly alive in the semi-final race.

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