COLOMBO: New Zealand eliminated co-hosts Sri Lanka from the T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 61-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, strengthening their push for a semi-final place.
The win leaves Sri Lanka out of contention after back-to-back defeats in the Super Eight stage. New Zealand, meanwhile, moved into a strong position to qualify, with net run rate potentially decisive in the final round of matches.
Santner and McConchie lead late surge
After being asked to bat by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, New Zealand were in trouble at 98-6 with four overs remaining. Captain Mitchell Santner and allrounder Cole McConchie then changed the momentum with an aggressive partnership.
Santner struck 47 off 26 balls, including four sixes, while McConchie added 31 from 23 deliveries. The pair added 84 runs, 70 of them in the final four overs, lifting New Zealand to 168-7.
Sri Lanka had earlier kept control through disciplined bowling but were unable to contain the late acceleration.
Henry and Ravindra seal dominant win
Sri Lanka’s chase faltered from the outset when Matt Henry bowled Pathum Nissanka with the first ball of the innings. Henry struck again in his next over and finished with figures of 2-3 from two overs.
Spin proved decisive as Rachin Ravindra claimed 4-27, removing key batters including Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in a pivotal ninth over. Santner and Glenn Phillips also took a wicket each as Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships.
The hosts were reduced to 29-4 and never recovered, closing on 107-8. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 31.
“It was pretty much a complete performance,” said player of the match Ravindra after the game.
Shanaka acknowledged the disappointment of exiting in front of home supporters, stating that Sri Lanka had aimed to restrict New Zealand to a lower total but were outplayed in the closing overs.
Qualification scenario
Sri Lanka have one match remaining against Pakistan, who still retain a mathematical chance of advancing. For Pakistan to progress, they would need a significant win and favourable results elsewhere.
New Zealand’s superior net run rate gives them a strong advantage heading into the final fixtures, though their semi-final spot is not yet mathematically confirmed.
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