Rachin Ravindra’s four wickets and Mitchell Santner’s stellar innings steered New Zealand to a 61-run win against Sri Lanka in high-stakes Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging 169, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 107-8 in 20 overs after a disastrous start. Matt Henry set the tone by clean bowling Pathum Nissanka for a duck on the very first ball of the innings. Henry struck again in the third over, dismissing Charith Asalanka for five off nine deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 6-2 in 2.1 overs.
Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake tried to stabilize the innings with some crucial runs, but Rachin Ravindra soon swung the momentum back to New Zealand, removing both batters—Mendis scored 11 off 22 balls, while Rathnayake added 10.
Ravindra continued his devastating spell by dismissing skipper Dasun Shanaka for three off five deliveries, leaving the hosts struggling at 46-5 in 10.3 overs.
He struck again, claiming Dushan Hemantha for three off six balls, putting Sri Lanka under mounting pressure at 59-6.
Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage attempted a rescue act, adding some resistance. Kamindu top-scored with 31 off 23 balls, hitting four boundaries before falling to Mitchell Santner, reducing the team to 77-7 in 15 overs.
