New Zealand Crush Sri Lanka, Knock Co-Hosts Out of T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka’s World Cup dream has been shattered on home soil and it was New Zealand who delivered the knockout blow in Colombo with a ruthless 61-run victory that has sent shockwaves through the tournament.
In a do-or-die Super Eight clash at the R Premadasa Stadium, the Black Caps looked in serious trouble at one stage. They were wobbling at 5 for 84 and the Sri Lankan spinners had brought the home crowd to life. The momentum had shifted and it felt like the hosts were tightening their grip. But big tournaments are defined by composure under pressure and New Zealand found theirs at exactly the right moment.
Captain Mitchell Santner stepped up with a fearless counterattack, smashing 47 from just 26 balls. Alongside Cole McConchie, he rebuilt the innings with urgency and clarity. In the final overs, New Zealand exploded, piling on 70 runs in the last four overs to finish on a competitive 168 for 7. That late surge changed everything. It turned a fragile total into a mountain Sri Lanka simply could not climb.
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When Sri Lanka began their chase, disaster struck immediately. Matt Henry removed Pathum Nissanka with the very first ball. From there, the collapse gathered pace. Rachin Ravindra, who had already contributed valuable runs with the bat, tore through the middle order with four crucial wickets. Sri Lanka were reduced to 4 for 29 inside nine overs and the tension inside the stadium was unmistakable.
The co-hosts never recovered. They limped to 107 for 8, falling well short and officially crashing out of the tournament. Captain Dasun Shanaka did not hide his disappointment, calling it embarrassing to let down the home supporters. And for a team that had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the competition, this exit will sting deeply.
This result reshapes Group Two. England have already secured a semifinal spot. New Zealand now sit in a strong position, with momentum and a healthy net run rate on their side. For Sri Lanka, only pride remains in their final match.
The bigger picture here is about experience and finishing power. New Zealand absorbed pressure, stayed calm and struck at the decisive moments. Sri Lanka, despite home advantage, could not handle the turning points.
The race to the semifinals is intensifying and every remaining game could shift the balance. Stay with us for comprehensive coverage as the Twenty20 World Cup moves closer to its dramatic conclusion.
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