NZ vs SL Live: Ravindra and Henry Shine as NZ Crush Sri Lanka to 71/6 in 14 Overs

Matt Henry set the tone, dismissing Pathum Nissanka for a duck and later Charith Asalanka for 5 runs, finishing with 2 wickets for just 3 runs in 2 overs at an economy of 1.50. Ravindra took full control in the middle overs, claiming 4 wickets for 19 runs in 3 overs, including Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, and Dushan Hemantha.

Cole McConchie (0/20 in 3 overs) and Mitchell Santner (0/9 in 2 overs) maintained pressure with tidy lines, while Lockie Ferguson (0/2 in 1 over) and Ish Sodhi (0/13 in 2 overs) tightened the screws on Sri Lanka’s middle order. Glenn Phillips also contributed a single over for 4 runs.

Sri Lanka’s only significant contributions came from Kamindu Mendis (25*) and Dunith Wellalage (8*), but the early collapse has left the visitors deep in trouble. Extras added only 6 runs, highlighting the precision of New Zealand’s attack.

With 6 wickets down and the required run rate climbing in the NZ vs SL clash, Sri Lanka will now need a strong recovery from their remaining batters, including Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dilshan Madushanka. New Zealand’s combination of pace and spin has firmly established them as favorites in the chase.