Sri Lanka bow out of T20 world cup after defeat to New Zealand

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 25, 2026

Co-host Sri Lanka have been knocked out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a heavy defeat to New Zealand in their Super 8 clash on Wednesday.

Playing in Colombo, New Zealand secured a convincing 61-run victory. Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka struggled throughout their innings and managed only 107 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Kamindu Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 31 runs, while Dunith Wellalage contributed 29. Kusal Mendis added 11 and Pawan Rathnayake chipped in with 10, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build any meaningful partnerships.

New Zealand’s bowling attack was led by Rachin Ravindra, who claimed four wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. Matt Henry delivered an economical spell, conceding just three runs- including a maiden in two overs while taking two wickets.

Captain Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips also picked up a wicket.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted 168 for seven in 20 overs. Despite a promising start, they lost wickets at regular intervals during the middle overs and were reduced to 84 for six at one stage.

However, a crucial 84-run partnership between Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie rescued the innings. Santner played an aggressive knock of 47 off 26 balls before being dismissed on the final delivery of the innings, while McConchie remained unbeaten on 31 from 23 balls.

Ravindra scored 32, Finn Allen made 28, and Glenn Phillips added 18. For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera claimed three wickets each, while Wellalage took one.

Sri Lanka had previously lost to England in the Super 8 stage, and this latest defeat officially ended their campaign with one match still to play.