Quick Answer
New Zealand eliminated co-hosts Sri Lanka from the T20 World Cup 2026 with a dominant 61-run victory on February 25 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Rachin Ravindra’s career-best 4/27 and Mitchell Santner’s captain’s knock of 47 powered the Kiwis while ending Sri Lanka’s tournament run.
Match Summary: Kiwis Win by 61 Runs
New Zealand staged a remarkable recovery after collapsing to 84/6, with captain Mitchell Santner (47 off 26 balls) and Cole McConchie (31* off 23 balls) adding a record-breaking 70-run partnership for the seventh wicket—the highest for that position or lower in T20 World Cup history. Their rescue act propelled the Kiwis to 168/7, a total that proved insurmountable for the hosts.
Sri Lanka’s chase collapsed immediately when Matt Henry delivered a devastating first-ball wicket that bowled opener Pathum Nissanka for a golden duck. Henry followed with Charith Asalanka’s dismissal, finishing with 2/3 from two overs. Sri Lanka crawled to just 20/2 in the powerplay and never recovered, managing only 107/8.
Rachin Ravindra’s Spin Masterclass
Left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra produced a career-defining spell with figures of 4/27, including stumping both Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake off consecutive legal deliveries. “I just tried to bowl to my field and let the pitch do the work,” Ravindra said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
The Colombo surface offered significant turn, allowing New Zealand to deploy five different spin options while bowling just three overs of pace—the fewest in their T20I history. Sri Lanka managed only 38 runs off boundaries compared to New Zealand’s 100, illustrating their struggle to find rhythm.
Tournament Implications
Sri Lanka Eliminated: With zero points from two Super Eight matches, Sri Lanka became the first team officially eliminated. Even victory against Pakistan on February 28 would leave them with insufficient points for semifinal qualification.
“New Zealand’s Semifinal Path: The Kiwis now sit second in Group 2 with three points. Their fate depends on their final match against already-qualified England on February 27.”
Pakistan’s Hope: Pakistan can still reach three points by defeating Sri Lanka. If both Pakistan and New Zealand finish on three points, net run rate will determine the second semifinal qualifier. New Zealand’s 61-run victory significantly boosted their NRR.
Are Sri Lanka eliminated from T20 World Cup 2026?
Yes. With zero points from two matches and only one game remaining, Sri Lanka cannot reach the semifinals. They are the first team eliminated from the Super Eight stage.
Can New Zealand still qualify for semifinals?
Yes. With three points, New Zealand controls their destiny. A win against England on February 27 guarantees semifinal qualification. Even a loss might suffice if Pakistan fails to surpass NZ’s net run rate.
What is the highest seventh-wicket partnership in T20 World Cup history?
Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie’s 70-run stand now holds the record for any seventh wicket or lower partnership in T20 World Cup history, breaking the previous record.
When does Pakistan play Sri Lanka?
Pakistan faces Sri Lanka on Friday, February 28, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo—a must-win match for Pakistan’s semifinal ambitions.
Who was Player of the Match?
Rachin Ravindra won the award for his all-round performance: 32 runs with the bat and career-best figures of 4/27 with the ball.
Captain’s Perspective
Mitchell Santner praised his team’s resilience: “I guess 160 was not bad from there after Sri Lanka squeezed us. The boys showed great character to fight back. Our bowlers were outstanding on a surface that offered assistance to spinners.”
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka expressed disappointment: “It’s embarrassing to disappoint the home crowd. We bowled well for 16 overs but couldn’t finish the job. With the bat, losing Nissanka first ball put us on the back foot immediately.”
What Went Wrong for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka’s spinners reduced New Zealand to 84/6, setting up what should have been a comfortable chase. However, their inability to maintain pressure in the death overs proved costly. Pathum Nissanka’s golden duck on the first ball of the chase set a negative tone that Sri Lanka never escaped.
Beyond Kamindu Mendis’s 31, no Sri Lankan batter reached 30. The brittle middle order collapsed under pressure, unable to build partnerships or generate momentum against quality spin bowling. Playing at the familiar R. Premadasa Stadium should have given Sri Lanka an edge, but New Zealand adapted better to conditions.
The seventh-wicket partnership between Santner and McConchie transformed a below-par score into a match-winning total. Coming together at 84/6 in the 13th over, the duo plundered 70 runs from just 24 balls, dismantling what had been a disciplined bowling attack.
As the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage progresses, New Zealand’s victory keeps their semifinal hopes alive while ending Sri Lanka’s dream of lifting the trophy on home soil. Pakistan now faces a must-win situation against the eliminated hosts to keep their tournament hopes alive.