Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup came to an end today after a 61-run defeat to New Zealand in their second Super 8 match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first.
New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen got the innings underway, putting on 30 runs for the first wicket before Allen was dismissed for 23 by Maheesh Theekshana. Seifert followed soon after for 8, falling to Dushmantha Chameera.
Glenn Phillips made 18, while Rachin Ravindra scored 32. Mark Chapman was dismissed without scoring, with both wickets claimed by Theekshana. Daryl Mitchell managed just 3.
Skipper Mitchell Santner anchored the innings with a valuable 47, while Cole McKenzie remained unbeaten on 31 as New Zealand posted 168 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, picking up three wickets each.
Chasing 169 for victory, Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a disastrous start as Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a duck off the very first ball. Charith Asalanka (5), Kusal Mendis (11), and Pavan Rathnayake (10) also fell cheaply.
Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 31, while Dunith Wellalage contributed 29, but Sri Lanka could only manage 107 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Rachin Ravindra starred with the ball for New Zealand, claiming 4 wickets for 27 runs to seal a comprehensive victory and end Sri Lanka’s campaign.
