February 25, 2026
New Zealand scored 44/2 in the mandatory powerplay overs. Finn Allen led the attack with 23 off 13 balls at a strike rate of 176.92, including a six and three boundaries. Tim Seifert contributed 8 before falling to Chameera. Rachin Ravindra (32) and Glenn Phillips (18) tried to stabilize the innings, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs. Dushmantha Chameera matched that with 3/38, while Dunith Wellalage took a wicket for 27. Dilshan Madushanka and Charith Asalanka bowled economically, applying pressure with tight lines and clever field placements, ensuring New Zealand could not freely accelerate.
The 7th-wicket partnership between Santner (22) and McConchie (26*) added 50 runs in 34 balls, helping New Zealand reach a respectable 168/7. Early wickets of Allen, Seifert, Phillips, Ravindra, and Chapman kept New Zealand under control. A slow over-rate penalty in the last over and a DRS review added drama to the end of the innings.
Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, led by Theekshana and Chameera, set up a competitive platform for the chase in this T20 World Cup 2026 clash.