By Asif Naveed
SPORTS DESK (MNN); New Zealand national cricket team secured a commanding 61-run victory over Sri Lanka national cricket team in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday, knocking the hosts out of the tournament and denting Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Chasing a target of 169 in the Group 1 clash at R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka were limited to 107 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Earlier, after winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Sri Lanka made early breakthroughs but failed to stop New Zealand from posting 168 for 7. The Kiwis started positively before losing momentum in the middle overs, slipping to 86 for 6.
Rachin Ravindra led the scoring with 32 runs, while Finn Allen contributed 23 and Glenn Phillips added 18. Tim Seifert managed 8, Daryl Mitchell scored 3 and Mark Chapman was dismissed without scoring.
The turning point came with a crucial seventh-wicket partnership between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie. The duo stitched together an 84-run stand off 48 balls, steering New Zealand to a competitive total. Santner scored 47, while McConchie remained unbeaten on 31.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera claimed three wickets each, while Dunith Wellalage picked up one.
In response, Sri Lanka struggled from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to build momentum. They ultimately fell well short of the target, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka had made one change to the lineup, bringing in Charith Asalanka in place of Kamil Mishara.
The victory significantly strengthens New Zealand’s bid for a semi-final spot, while Sri Lanka exit the competition and Pakistan’s qualification equation becomes increasingly complicated.
