New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026 Match 46 | Feb 25: New Zealand Silence Colombo Crowd With Clinical 61-Run Triumph over Sri Lanka

NZ vs SL 46th T20 World Cup Match Highlights began with New Zealand posting 168/7 before restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The 61-run victory strengthened NZ’s standing in Group 2, while SL remained fourth in the points table after this Super Eights clash.

At the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter in Colombo, Sri Lanka chose to field first, hoping to exploit early conditions. New Zealand’s innings started briskly through Finn Allen’s 23 off 13 balls, but regular wickets disrupted momentum. Tim Seifert fell early, and despite Rachin Ravindra’s fluent 32 off 22 deliveries, NZ slipped from 75/2 to 84/6 in a sharp middle-overs collapse. Maheesh Theekshana’s three-wicket spell and Dushmantha Chameera’s triple strikes ensured Sri Lanka stayed in contention.

The recovery came through Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie. Santner’s 47 off 26 balls, including four sixes, counterattacked decisively, while McConchie’s unbeaten 31 provided stability. Their seventh-wicket stand of 50 runs in 34 balls lifted New Zealand to a competitive 168/7, with the final overs yielding critical acceleration despite earlier setbacks.

Sri Lanka’s chase never stabilized. Matt Henry struck with the first ball, dismissing Pathum Nissanka, and the powerplay closed at 20/2. Rachin Ravindra then turned the match with a four-wicket spell, removing Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, and Dushan Hemantha. At 77/7 after 15 overs, the required rate had escalated beyond control. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 31, while Dunith Wellalage added 29, but sustained pressure from Santner, Glenn Phillips, and disciplined fielding ensured the target remained distant.

New Zealand’s bowling unit shared responsibilities efficiently. Henry’s opening burst of 2/3 in two overs set the tone, Santner controlled the middle phase with 1/19, and Ravindra’s 4/27 decisively dismantled the middle order. Sri Lanka closed on 107/8, well short of the 169 required.

Also check: Pakistan vs England Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026 Match 45 | Feb 24

Toss Winner

Sri Lanka, having won the toss, decided to put the opposition in to bat.

Key Moment

The decisive phase came between overs 8.1 and 12.2 of Sri Lanka’s chase when Rachin Ravindra removed three middle-order batters, reducing SL from 27/2 to 59/6 and effectively ending realistic hopes of a structured pursuit.

Star Performer / MVP

Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution of 32 runs and a match-defining 4/27 that broke Sri Lanka’s chase.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Summary

NZ vs SL Playing XI

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

FAQs – Yesterday’s New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 46th Match (Feb 25, 2026)

Q1: What was the final score of yesterday’s New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match?
A1: Yesterday (February 25, 2026): 46th Match, Super Eights, Group 2
New Zealand (168/7) beat Sri Lanka (107/8) by 61 runs.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner scored 47, while Rachin Ravindra contributed 32 and 4/27.
Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 31.
Result: NZ strengthened their Group 2 position, while SL remained fourth.

Q2: Who was named the Player of the Match?
A2: Rachin Ravindra was named the Player of the Match for scoring 32 runs and taking 4 wickets for 27 runs.

Q3: Where was the match played, and who won the toss?
A3: The match was played at R Premadasa Stadium. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first.

Q4: Who were the top performers with the bat for both sides?
A4: For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner top-scored with 47 runs. For Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis was the leading run-scorer with 31 runs.

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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