Kiwi Storm in Colombo Ends Sri Lankas World Cup Dream

Co-host Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end after a crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand in Colombo. With their semi-final hopes on the line, there was no alternative but victory for the Lankans in this Super 8 clash.

For much of the first innings, however, the script looked very different. Sri Lanka’s bowlers were in complete control, restricting New Zealand to 98 for 6 in 16 overs. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana set the tone with a superb spell, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs in his first three overs. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera also impressed with his pace and discipline. The hosts triggered a dramatic collapse, reducing New Zealand from 75 for 2 to 84 for 6 in quick succession, seemingly putting the match firmly in their grasp.

But the final four overs changed everything. Mitchell Santner launched a counterattack with a blistering 47 off 26 balls, while Cole McConchie contributed an unbeaten 31 from 23 deliveries. Their aggressive partnership produced 70 runs in the last four overs. The crucial 84-run stand lifted New Zealand to 168, a total that ultimately proved more than competitive.

Chasing 169, Sri Lanka faltered early under pressure. Fast bowler Matt Henry struck twice in the powerplay, putting the hosts on the back foot. The innings never truly recovered. In the ninth over, Rachin Ravindra removed both Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake via stumpings, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 29 for 4. From that point on, the result felt inevitable.

Ravindra, who had earlier scored 32 off 22 balls, was devastating with the ball, finishing with four wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Henry wrapped up his spell efficiently, taking 2 for 3 in two overs. Sri Lanka eventually limped to 107 for 8, well short of the target.

After already losing to England in their opening Super 8 match, Sri Lanka bow out of the tournament with consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, New Zealand remain firmly in contention for a semi-final berth, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the last four once again.

Both teams have one Super 8 fixture remaining. New Zealand will face England on Friday, while Sri Lanka take on Pakistan. However, for the hosts, that final match now carries little more than pride.