NZ vs SL Live: Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra Lead New Zealand to 87/6 Against Sri Lanka

New Zealand scored 44/2 in the mandatory powerplay overs in the NZ vs SL clash. Finn Allen led the charge with a brisk 23 runs off 13 balls at a strike rate of 176.92, including three boundaries and a six. Tim Seifert added 8 runs before falling to Dushmantha Chameera.

Rachin Ravindra remained composed under pressure, contributing 32 off 22 deliveries, while Glenn Phillips added 18 off 18 balls. Drinks came with New Zealand at 44/2 in six overs, with Ravindra and Phillips at the crease.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened their grip after the powerplay. Maheesh Theekshana was exceptional, claiming 3 wickets for just 9 runs in 3 overs. Dushmantha Chameera also picked up 2 wickets, while Dunith Wellalage dismissed Daryl Mitchell. Mark Chapman fell for a duck, leaving New Zealand struggling at 84/6 in 12.1 overs.

Mitchell Santner (2* off 5) and Cole McConchie (1* off 3) remained unbeaten, guiding the lower order as New Zealand tried to rebuild. Extras were minimal, and the team managed 50 runs in 6.4 overs after drinks, maintaining a run rate of 6.60 despite losing key wickets.

New Zealand’s powerplay performance set a solid platform, but the middle overs emphasized the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack in this T20 World Cup 2026 encounter.