February 25, 2026
New Zealand scored 44/2 in the first six overs. Finn Allen hit 23 off 13 balls, including a six and three boundaries. Tim Seifert added 8 before falling to Chameera. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips steadied the innings at drinks with the score at 44/2.
Maheesh Theekshana was the star with 3 wickets for 9 runs. Dushmantha Chameera claimed 2 wickets for 8 runs. Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka, and Charith Asalanka bowled tightly, preventing New Zealand’s middle order from building momentum.
Glenn Phillips (18) and Rachin Ravindra (32) fell in quick succession, while Mark Chapman was dismissed for a duck. Daryl Mitchell added just 3 runs. Lower-order batsmen Mitchell Santner (5*) and Cole McConchie (8*) tried to rebuild, but New Zealand finished at 98/6.
Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, led by Theekshana and Chameera, combined with a strong powerplay, ensured they controlled the match in this T20 World Cup 2026 encounter.