New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs in Colombo, ending Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign.
New Zealand produced a strong turnaround to defeat Sri Lanka by 61 runs in Colombo, thereby strengthening their net run rate in the Super 8 stage. The result ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals after another disappointing batting session.
After being put in to bat at the R. Premadasa Stadium, New Zealand began well and reached 75/2. However, the innings slipped to 84/6, including a collapse in which three wickets fell without adding a run. With the side in serious trouble, captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie stabilised the innings.
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The pair added a crucial 84 runs for the seventh wicket. Santner led the recovery with a quick 47 from 26 balls, while McConchie remained unbeaten on 31. Their partnership lifted New Zealand to a competitive 168/7.
Sri Lanka never recovered in the chase. Matt Henry removed Pathum Nissanka with the first ball and dismissed Charith Asalanka(5) soon after. For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra delivered a decisive spell, taking 4 wickets.
Sri Lanka managed only 107/8 and struggled to build momentum after the powerplay. This loss has sealed their elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026.
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 25, 2026
Sri Lanka didn’t just peak early…they peaked only on that one day. To eliminate Australia. Lost to Zimbabwe, England and New Zealand since that game.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 25, 2026
Injuries to key players didn’t help too.
First team to be eliminated from the race to the semis. #SLvNZ #T20WorldCup
🚨ONE OF THE GREATEST COMEBACK BY KIWIS🚨
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 25, 2026
New Zealand were 84/6 (12.1), then came Mitchell Santner & McConchie, both destroyed Sri Lanka with 84 runs partnership💥
New Zealand once 84/6, ended at 168/7, arguably one of the greatest comeback👏🏻#SLvsNZ pic.twitter.com/e7NPnEeJFY
New Zealand crumbling is a good news … Sri Lankan spinners are making inroads … Mitchell is a big fish … gone #SLvsNZ
— Shahid Hashmi (@hashmi_shahid) February 25, 2026
New Zealand has gotten to 168 on this, definitely a difficult pitch. Add 10-15 due to their outstanding outfielding – who wins, NZ or Lanka?#SLvsNZ
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 25, 2026
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