Nilakshika, Nuthyangana Lead Sri Lanka to Historic Win Over New Zealand

Sri Lanka edged past defending champions New Zealand in the seventh match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026 at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday.

Chasing a challenging target of 151, Sri Lanka reached the total in 19.4 overs with five wickets down. It was their first-ever win over New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

The Islanders got off to a solid start with a 45-run opening stand but then lost momentum, slipping to 55-4 after 8.3 overs.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu played an attacking knock of 27 from 19 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six before Bree Illing dismissed her. Nensi Patel claimed two wickets, while two run-outs added to Sri Lanka’s troubles.

Despite the collapse, Nilakshika Silva guided the chase with a match-winning half-century. She put together a 54-run partnership with Kavisha Dilhari, who scored 17 to steady the innings during the middle overs. Afterwards, she added unbeaten 48-run stand with Kaushini Nuthyangana for the sixth wicket to take Sri Lanka home.

Talking about the first innings, New Zealand finished with 150-6 from their 20 overs. The White Ferns got off to a poor start when opener Isabella Gaze was dismissed for four in the very first over.

Georgia Plimmer and captain Melie Kerr then helped steady the innings with a 49-run partnership for the second wicket. Plimmer made 18 from 22 balls, hitting two boundaries, before losing her wicket in the ninth over.

With New Zealand struggling badly during the middle overs, Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine helped rebuild the innings with valuable contributions. Both batters scored 45 runs and put together a 43-run partnership from 26 balls for the third wicket, taking their team close to the 100-run mark.

The partnership ended when Kerr was dismissed, but Devine stayed at the crease until the 18th over and played an important role in guiding New Zealand to a competitive total. Devine struck four fours and a six during her innings, while Kerr hit five boundaries.

For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari was the most successful bowler. She picked up two wickets from her four overs that helped the team restrict the White Ferns on a modest total.