Dominant New Zealand knock co-hosts Sri Lanka out with 61-run win

New Zealand dominated Sri Lanka by 61 runs in their Super Eight Group 2 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the RPS, effectively ending Sri Lanka’s aspirations of advancing to the semifinals.

Sri Lanka, chasing a challenging total, were unable to cope with the pressure and were bowled out for just 107/8 in their 20 overs. Kamindu Mendis was the top scorer for the hosts with 31 runs, and Dunith Wellalage added a valuable 29. However, despite these individual contributions, Sri Lanka failed to form any meaningful partnerships, crumbling under the mounting pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers.

The Kiwis’ bowling attack was clinical, with Rachin Ravindra shining with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 27 runs. Matt Henry was even more destructive, claiming 3 wickets for a mere 2 runs, while Mitchell Santner played his part as well, picking up 1 wicket for 19 runs. The bowlers’ tight lines and consistent pressure ensured that Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum.

This heavy defeat sealed Sri Lanka’s elimination from the competition, confirming that they would not be able to progress to the semifinals. For New Zealand, the win was a vital step towards securing their place in the tournament’s knockout stages.