Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Highlights: Ravindra’s Stunning 4/27 Powers NZ to Dominant Win
The clash between the Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 delivered an exciting contest with momentum swings and impactful individual performances. Both teams entered the match needing crucial Super 8 points, adding extra intensity to the encounter.
Player of the Match
Rachin Ravindra — 4/27 (4) & 32 (22)
Rachin Ravindra was the standout performer of the match, making a decisive impact with both bat and ball. After playing a handy knock to keep NZ’s innings on track, he returned with the ball to break Sri Lanka’s momentum through a brilliant four-wicket spell.
New Zealand Innings — 168/7 (20 overs)
New Zealand posted a competitive total after Sri Lanka opted to bowl first.
Top Performers
Mitchell Santner — 47 (26) anchoring innings with aggressive intent.
Rachin Ravindra — 32 (22) crucial middle-order contribution.
Cole McConchie — 31* (23) finishing role.
Sri Lanka Bowling
Maheesh Theekshana — 3/30 (4)
Dushmantha Chameera — 3/38 (4)
Dunith Wellalage — 1/27 (4)
Sri Lanka Innings — 107/8 (20 overs)
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain momentum against disciplined New Zealand bowling.
Top Performers
Kamindu Mendis — 31 (23)
Dunith Wellalage — 29 (23)
Kusal Mendis — 11 (22)
New Zealand Bowling
Rachin Ravindra — 4/27 (4) match-winning spell.
Matt Henry — 2/23 (2)
Mitchell Santner — 1/19 (4)
Match Summary
Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra — 4/27 & 32 (22)
Toss: Sri Lanka elected to bowl
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium
Result: New Zealand won convincingly
Key Takeaways
Ravindra’s all-round brilliance dominated the match.
Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships while chasing.
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling ensured complete control.
Powerplay Insight
New Zealand Dominate Early
NZ set the tone early by applying tight pressure during the powerplay, restricting Sri Lanka to just 20 runs in the first six overs. This cautious start placed Sri Lanka behind the required scoring rate and forced their batters into riskier strokes later in the innings.
Sri Lanka Keep New Zealand Quiet
Sri Lanka made an encouraging start with the ball by keeping NZ in check during the powerplay. The Kiwis managed 44 runs in the first six overs, which stands as their joint-lowest powerplay total in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
⭐ Super Eights – Group 2 Points Table
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Tied | Net RR | Points | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +1.491 | 4 | Unbeaten run secures semifinal qualification with consistent performances. |
| 2 | New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | +3.050 | 3 | Strong net run rate keeps qualification hopes firmly in control. |
| 3 | Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -0.461 | 1 | Mixed results put pressure on remaining matches for semifinal contention. |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -2.800 | 0 | Back-to-back defeats leave team needing major turnaround to stay competitive. |
Key Insight:
England have already secured a semifinal berth, while New Zealand remain well placed to qualify. Pakistan face a must-win scenario, and Sri Lanka’s campaign hangs by a thread following consecutive losses.
Written By The Cricket Show:
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