New Zealand knock hosts Sri Lanka out of T20 World Cup race

Co-host Sri Lanka were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup yesterday (25 February) after suffering a 61-run loss to New Zealand.

A counterattacking seventh-wicket stand of 80 runs between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie rescued New Zealand from a difficult position and set up the decisive victory.

After Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bowl, New Zealand were in trouble at 84 for 6 and still only 90 for 6 after 15 overs. Santner then struck 47 off 26 balls, while McConchie made 31 from 23 deliveries, lifting New Zealand to a competitive 168 for 7.

The momentum shifted rapidly during the death overs, with McConchie taking 18 runs off the 17th over from Dushmantha Chameera, followed by 21 runs conceded by spinner Maheesh Theekshana in the 18th. The pair added their 80 runs in just 43 balls before Santner was dismissed off the final delivery.

Chameera and Theekshana finished with three wickets apiece.

In reply, Sri Lanka never recovered from an early collapse and were restricted to 107 for 8. New Zealand seamer Matt Henry removed opener Pathum Nissanka with the first ball of the innings, and recalled batter Charith Asalanka soon followed, leaving the hosts reeling at 6 for 2.

New Zealand’s spinners then tightened their grip, varying pace and flight to choke the scoring and force mistakes. Left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra delivered a career-best performance with 4 for 27, while Henry claimed two wickets for just three runs.

Kamindu Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 31, but the target proved far beyond reach.

The match was a must-win for Sri Lanka following their opening Group 2 defeat to England, and the loss confirmed their elimination from semifinal contention.

England have already secured a semifinal spot after beating Pakistan on Tuesday. New Zealand now sit second in the group with three points, having shared a point with Pakistan after their earlier match was washed out by rain.

Pakistan must now defeat Sri Lanka by a large margin to keep their slim hopes alive, with both England and New Zealand holding strong net run rates.