COLOMBO (Dunya News) - Sri Lanka were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand in their Super Eight clash.
Chasing a daunting target of 169, Sri Lanka’s batting line-up collapsed under pressure, managing just 107 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
The top order faltered early, with four batters back in the pavilion for just 29 runs by the ninth over, leaving the hosts reeling.
Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a duck, while Kusal Mendis scored 11. Charith Asalanka managed 5, and Pavan Rathnayake added 10 before departing.
A brief resistance came through a 16-run stand for the fifth wicket between Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis, but Shanaka fell with the total at 46.
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The slide continued as wickets fell at regular intervals. Chamika Karunaratne Hemanta was dismissed at 59, while a modest 18-run partnership for the seventh wicket briefly delayed the inevitable.
Sri Lanka’s last major hope, Kamindu Mendis, top-scored with 31 but was dismissed at 77, effectively ending the contest.
Dunith Wellalage contributed 29, but his departure at 105 sealed Sri Lanka’s fate as they fell well short of the target.
For New Zealand, part-time spinner Rachin Ravindra starred with the ball, claiming four wickets to dismantle the middle order.
Matt Henry picked up two scalps, while Glenn Phillips and skipper Mitchell Santner chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Earlier in the 46th match of the tournament in Colombo, New Zealand posted 168 for 7 after being invited to bat first.
Captain Santner led from the front with a composed 47, while Cole McConchie struck an unbeaten 31.
Ravindra scored 32, Finn Allen made 23, and Phillips added 18. Tim Seifert (8), Daryl Mitchell (3) and Mark Chapman (0) failed to make significant contributions.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera claimed three wickets each, while Wellalage took one.