NZ vs SL: Ravindra’s Four Wickets Seal 61-Run Win for New Zealand

In an exciting Super 8 match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by a huge margin of 61 runs. Batting first, New Zealand scored 168/7 in 20 overs. 

Sri Lanka’s batting started with an early wicket of Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball to Matt Henry. Soon after, Charith Asalanka fell at 6/2 in just 2.1 overs. The powerplay ended at 20/2, with Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake failing to steady the innings.

Matt Henry (2/3) struck early, while Cole McConchie (0/20) applied tight lines, limiting scoring opportunities.

Kamindu Mendis (31 off 23) and Dunith Wellalage (29 off 23) tried to fight back, but Rachin Ravindra (4/27) dismantled the middle order, taking Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, and Dushan Hemantha.

Mitchell Santner (1/19) removed Kamindu Mendis at a crucial stage, and Glenn Phillips (1/21) dismissed Wellalage, keeping Sri Lanka well behind the required run rate.

The tail-end could not accelerate. Dushmantha Chameera (7)* and Maheesh Theekshana (1)* remained unbeaten, but extras only added 7 runs. Sri Lanka finished 107/8 in 20 overs, far short of the target.

With this result, New Zealand moves closer to securing a semi-final spot. Sri Lanka’s defeat makes them out of the knock out stages.