The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage saw New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs in Match 46 at Colombo (RPS) on February 25. New Zealand posted 168/7 in their 20 overs and then restricted Sri Lanka to 107/8. Rachin Ravindra delivered a stunning all-round display with 32 runs and 4 wickets to earn the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka’s chase never got going after Pathum Nissanka fell on the first ball. Captain Mitchell Santner anchored New Zealand’s innings with 47 off 26 balls after they slipped to 84/6. This was a clinical performance from the Black Caps.
Match Summary: SL vs NZ
Here is the complete match summary of this Super 8 Group 2 encounter:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Score | 168/7 (20 overs) |
| Sri Lanka Score | 107/8 (20 overs) |
| Match Result | New Zealand won by 61 runs |
| Best Batting (NZ) | Mitchell Santner – 47 off 26 balls (2 fours, 4 sixes) |
| Best Batting (SL) | Kamindu Mendis – 31 off 23 balls (4 fours) |
| Best Bowling (NZ) | Rachin Ravindra – 4/27 in 4 overs (Econ: 6.75) |
| Best Bowling (SL) | Maheesh Theekshana – 3/30 in 4 overs (Econ: 7.50) |
| Player of the Match | Rachin Ravindra (NZ) |
New Zealand Innings: 168/7 in 20 Overs
New Zealand had a solid start in the powerplay with 44 runs for 2 wickets. Finn Allen smashed 23 off 13 balls with 3 fours and a six before Theekshana got him. Tim Seifert made 8 runs. Rachin Ravindra played a crucial knock of 32 off 22 balls with 3 fours and a six.
New Zealand then collapsed from 75/3 to 84/6 in quick time. Glenn Phillips fell for 18, and both Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman departed cheaply. Sri Lanka’s bowlers seemed to have taken control of the match at this stage.
Captain Mitchell Santner rescued the innings with a brilliant 47 off 26 balls. He smashed 2 fours and 4 sixes to take the attack back to Sri Lanka. Cole McConchie stayed unbeaten on 31 off 23 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes. Their partnership added 84 runs for the 7th wicket and pushed New Zealand to 168/7. Theekshana and Chameera grabbed 3 wickets each for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Chase: 107/8 in 20 Overs
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to the worst possible start. Pathum Nissanka was bowled by Matt Henry on the very first ball of the innings. Charith Asalanka followed for just 5 runs. The powerplay ended with Sri Lanka struggling at 20/2.
Kusal Mendis made 11 off 22 balls before Ravindra had him stumped. Pavan Rathnayake added 10 runs. Captain Dasun Shanaka could only manage 3 runs. Sri Lanka slipped to 71/6 at the drinks break and were never in the chase.
Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 31 off 23 balls and hit 4 boundaries. Dunith Wellalage fought hard with 29 off 23 balls. But the required run rate kept climbing, and wickets kept falling. Rachin Ravindra was brilliant with 4/27 while Matt Henry grabbed 2/3 in his 2 overs. Sri Lanka finished on 107/8 and lost by 61 runs.
Key Highlight: Player of the Match – Rachin Ravindra Dominates
The New Zealand all-rounder delivered a match-winning all-round performance:
With the bat: 32 off 22 balls (3 fours, 1 six)
With the ball: 4/27 in 4 overs
Ravindra set up the win with his crucial 32 runs when New Zealand needed stability. He then returned with the ball to pick up 4 wickets and break the back of Sri Lanka’s chase. He dismissed Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, and Dushan Hemantha. This was a complete performance from the young all-rounder.
