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- New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Rachin Ravindra rocks Sri Lanka out of World Cup; NZ win by 61 runs
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Feb 25, 2026, 23:04:43 IST
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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Rachin Ravindra rocks Sri Lanka out of World Cup; NZ win by 61 runs
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Co-hosts Sri Lanka were on Wednesday knocked out of T20 World Cup as Rachin Ravindra grabbed a career-best 4/27 in a splendid all-round display to power New Zealand to a comprehensive 61-run victory in their Super Eights clash here.
Cole McConchie justified his selection with a composed unbeaten 31 off 23 balls (3x4, 2x6) while skipper Mitchell Santner came into his own with a 26-ball 47 (2x4, 4x6) as the duo stitched a match-defining 84-run seventh wicket stand off 47 balls to lift New Zealand to 168/7 after Sri Lanka opted to bowl.
After allowing the Kiwis to score 70 runs in the last four overs, Sri Lanka, who had collapsed for 95 against England in their Super Eights opener, suffered yet another batting meltdown.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could only score 107/8 with Ravindra -- who also made 32 with the bat -- leading the spin charge after pacer Matt Henry rocked the islanders in the powerplay with a sensational bowling display of 2-1-3-2.
Cole McConchie justified his selection with a composed unbeaten 31 off 23 balls (3x4, 2x6) while skipper Mitchell Santner came into his own with a 26-ball 47 (2x4, 4x6) as the duo stitched a match-defining 84-run seventh wicket stand off 47 balls to lift New Zealand to 168/7 after Sri Lanka opted to bowl.
After allowing the Kiwis to score 70 runs in the last four overs, Sri Lanka, who had collapsed for 95 against England in their Super Eights opener, suffered yet another batting meltdown.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could only score 107/8 with Ravindra -- who also made 32 with the bat -- leading the spin charge after pacer Matt Henry rocked the islanders in the powerplay with a sensational bowling display of 2-1-3-2.
18:37 (IST) Feb 25
PITCH REPORT - Aaron Finch notes the ground dimensions as a key tactical factor. Says the square boundary on one side measures just 62 meters, while the other side stretches to 75 meters, with the straight boundary also being 75 meters. He points out the presence of large pockets, suggesting captains will need to think carefully about their plans. Russel Arnold, offering his reading of the surface, describes it as dry with a slightly rough covering of grass. He mentions that while there could be some variable pace and bounce, it is unlikely to trouble batters significantly, making it a surface where runs can still be scored freely. Russ underlines that spin is expected to play a major role, noting that in Sri Lankan conditions, slower deliveries tend to generate more turn. However, he adds that these are not typically wicket-taking surfaces, and bowlers will need to outthink batters by consistently bowling away from their hitting zones. Based on his assessment, Arnold feels that a first innings total of around 170 would be a competitive score.
18:36 (IST) Feb 25
Backs the openers to continue the momentum - The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner says that their last match got washed out, but they got a couple of days to practice and get ready for this match. Continues that the top order has done a very good job so far in the tournament, and he wishes that they continue with their momentum. Santner ends up saying that they have made one change in the playing XI with Cole McConchie in place of James Neesham to give a little boost to the spin department, assessing the dimensions of the ground.
18:36 (IST) Feb 25
Shanaka calls for batting accountability - Sri Lanka's skipper, Dasun Shanaka, on the learnings from the previous loss, admits that the batters need to take the game deep and hopes it will happen this time around. Informs one change as Kamil Mishara goes out and Asalanka comes into the XI. Highlights that the bowlers did a pretty decent job against England. On the surface, Shanaka expects some assistance for the spinners and also points out that New Zealand haven't played here for a while and won't know what the surface is going to offer, so that's the reason they have chosen to bowl first.
18:35 (IST) Feb 25
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Cole McConchie (In for James Neesham), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson.
18:35 (IST) Feb 25
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka (In for Kamil Mishara), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka.
18:07 (IST) Feb 25
Sri Lanka’s Super 8 campaign is teetering on the brink. Unless their batting rediscovers conviction, things could unravel very fast against a resolute and skilled New Zealand in Colombo on Wednesday. Slow bowling and sluggish tracks have been Sri Lanka’s bugbears for a while now, factors exemplified by their failure to chase a modest 147 against England in Pallekele two nights ago. Sri Lanka batted as though intent alone could overpower the surface. Instead, the innings dissolved into a series of soft dismissals.
The challenge will be no kinder in Colombo. The R Premadasa Stadium’s bigger boundaries and surface demands smart cricket. Yet, too often, Sri Lanka appear caught between forcing the pace and freezing against it.
The challenge will be no kinder in Colombo. The R Premadasa Stadium’s bigger boundaries and surface demands smart cricket. Yet, too often, Sri Lanka appear caught between forcing the pace and freezing against it.
17:54 (IST) Feb 25
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Live Score: Mitchell Santner on Super Eight pressure
Mitchell Santner said that any game in the Super Eight is like a knock-out match. He acknowledged that the same situation applies to Sri Lanka. New Zealand have one point from the rained-off match, and a defeat here will dent their semi-final chances.
"Any game in the Super Eight is sort of knock out," said Santner. "We know that it is the same for Sri Lanka. We want to put out a good show tomorrow and walk out with a win."
Santner also said Sri Lanka are a strong side at home and dominate conditions. He noted that although Sri Lanka are missing a couple of players, there is quality in their line-up.
He added that New Zealand have played Sri Lanka often in recent years and there are no secrets between the teams.
"Any game in the Super Eight is sort of knock out," said Santner. "We know that it is the same for Sri Lanka. We want to put out a good show tomorrow and walk out with a win."
Santner also said Sri Lanka are a strong side at home and dominate conditions. He noted that although Sri Lanka are missing a couple of players, there is quality in their line-up.
He added that New Zealand have played Sri Lanka often in recent years and there are no secrets between the teams.
17:36 (IST) Feb 25
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Live Score: Opening pairs under focus tonight
New Zealand’s opening pair of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert showed strong form earlier during the group-stage. They will look to continue that run in this crucial match as well.
More runs are also expected from Rachin Ravindra, who scored a fifty in his previous innings against Canada.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka has led the batting effort so far. The team will hope for better support from the rest of the top order after the collapse against England.
Early wickets in Colombo can make batting harder as the pitch slows down. Both teams will look for a steady start in the Powerplay before the spinners come into play. The battle between the new ball bowlers and the openers could set the tone for the rest of the contest.
The ground has big dimensions, which makes six-hitting difficult.
More runs are also expected from Rachin Ravindra, who scored a fifty in his previous innings against Canada.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka has led the batting effort so far. The team will hope for better support from the rest of the top order after the collapse against England.
Early wickets in Colombo can make batting harder as the pitch slows down. Both teams will look for a steady start in the Powerplay before the spinners come into play. The battle between the new ball bowlers and the openers could set the tone for the rest of the contest.
The ground has big dimensions, which makes six-hitting difficult.
17:35 (IST) Feb 25
NZ vs SL Live Score: Spin set to dominate again
Mitchell Santner described the pitch as a fresh one, but that is unlikely to change the approach of either side.
Spin is expected to play a major role once again in Colombo. The ground has big dimensions, which makes six-hitting difficult. Scoring through the middle overs could decide the match. Sri Lanka have Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, while New Zealand have Santner and Ish Sodhi among their spin options.
Post T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand have the best average and lowest dot percentage against spin among 12 Full-Member nations.
Their strike rate and boundary percentage against spin are second only to India. These numbers show that New Zealand are comfortable against spin, but execution on the day will matter most on a slow surface.
New Zealand have been in Colombo for a week after finishing their group stage in India.
Spin is expected to play a major role once again in Colombo. The ground has big dimensions, which makes six-hitting difficult. Scoring through the middle overs could decide the match. Sri Lanka have Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, while New Zealand have Santner and Ish Sodhi among their spin options.
Post T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand have the best average and lowest dot percentage against spin among 12 Full-Member nations.
Their strike rate and boundary percentage against spin are second only to India. These numbers show that New Zealand are comfortable against spin, but execution on the day will matter most on a slow surface.
New Zealand have been in Colombo for a week after finishing their group stage in India.
17:33 (IST) Feb 25
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Live Score: New Zealand adapt to Colombo conditions
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said ahead of the match that adapting to slow-turning pitches in Colombo will be key.
The team played their group matches in Chennai and Ahmedabad in India on comparatively flatter wickets. Now they must adjust to a different surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Santner said the squad of 15 was picked keeping in mind that matches could be played in both countries on different types of pitches.
He added that the team has spin options covered and the focus is on adjusting quickly. New Zealand have been in Colombo for a week after finishing their group stage in India.
Their first Super Eight game against Pakistan at this venue was washed out. With rain unlikely today, they will look to get their first win of the Super 8 stage and move up the table.
The team played their group matches in Chennai and Ahmedabad in India on comparatively flatter wickets. Now they must adjust to a different surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Santner said the squad of 15 was picked keeping in mind that matches could be played in both countries on different types of pitches.
He added that the team has spin options covered and the focus is on adjusting quickly. New Zealand have been in Colombo for a week after finishing their group stage in India.
Their first Super Eight game against Pakistan at this venue was washed out. With rain unlikely today, they will look to get their first win of the Super 8 stage and move up the table.
17:32 (IST) Feb 25
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Live Score: Sri Lanka face must-win situation
Sri Lanka enter this match knowing that another defeat will end their chances of making the semi-finals.
In their previous game, they could not chase 147 against England on a slow pitch in Pallekele. Their batters struggled against slower bowling and some shot selection was questioned after the loss.
Batting coach Vikram Rathour said that when the ball is not coming on to the bat, scoring becomes difficult. He added that pushing for singles on a wicket where the ball is stopping was not always a good option.
"It's a T20 game, so obviously you come into a game, so you are looking to score as many runs as you can. So when the ball is not coming on to the bat, it's easier said than done," Sri Lanka's Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour reflected on the side's poor poor performance.
"Are there better options? Yes, definitely could have been taken. I thought on a wicket where the ball is stopping, so pushing is not a great idea. A couple of our wickets lost out on guys pushing for a single. I don't think that was a great option in these conditions," he added
Sri Lanka’s batting has largely depended on Pathum Nissanka, while Dunith Wellalage has impressed with the ball. Even the pacers have delivered in this tournament. Playing at home, Sri Lanka will look to correct their mistakes and stay alive in the competition.
In their previous game, they could not chase 147 against England on a slow pitch in Pallekele. Their batters struggled against slower bowling and some shot selection was questioned after the loss.
Batting coach Vikram Rathour said that when the ball is not coming on to the bat, scoring becomes difficult. He added that pushing for singles on a wicket where the ball is stopping was not always a good option.
"It's a T20 game, so obviously you come into a game, so you are looking to score as many runs as you can. So when the ball is not coming on to the bat, it's easier said than done," Sri Lanka's Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour reflected on the side's poor poor performance.
"Are there better options? Yes, definitely could have been taken. I thought on a wicket where the ball is stopping, so pushing is not a great idea. A couple of our wickets lost out on guys pushing for a single. I don't think that was a great option in these conditions," he added
Sri Lanka’s batting has largely depended on Pathum Nissanka, while Dunith Wellalage has impressed with the ball. Even the pacers have delivered in this tournament. Playing at home, Sri Lanka will look to correct their mistakes and stay alive in the competition.
17:30 (IST) Feb 25
NZ vs SL Live Score: Hello & Welcome
The Super Eight stage continues with Sri Lanka taking on New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
This is a key Group 2 contest in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka come into this match after a loss to England in their Super Eight opener in Kandy, where they failed to chase 147 on a slow surface. New Zealand had their first Super Eight game against Pakistan washed out at this same venue and shared a point.
That result means New Zealand have one point, while Sri Lanka are at the bottom of the four-team group.
Both sides need a win to improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Spin is expected to play a big role again in Colombo.
Stay with us for live updates, key moments, and tactical shifts from this important clash.
This is a key Group 2 contest in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka come into this match after a loss to England in their Super Eight opener in Kandy, where they failed to chase 147 on a slow surface. New Zealand had their first Super Eight game against Pakistan washed out at this same venue and shared a point.
That result means New Zealand have one point, while Sri Lanka are at the bottom of the four-team group.
Both sides need a win to improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Spin is expected to play a big role again in Colombo.
Stay with us for live updates, key moments, and tactical shifts from this important clash.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka were on Wednesday knocked out of T20 World Cup as Rachin Ravindra grabbed a career-best 4/27 in a splendid all-round display to power New Zealand to a comprehensive 61-run victory in their Super Eights clash here.
Cole McConchie justified his selection with a composed unbeaten 31 off 23 balls (3x4, 2x6) while skipper Mitchell Santner came into his own with a 26-ball 47 (2x4, 4x6) as the duo stitched a match-defining 84-run seventh wicket stand off 47 balls to lift New Zealand to 168/7 after Sri Lanka opted to bowl.
After allowing the Kiwis to score 70 runs in the last four overs, Sri Lanka, who had collapsed for 95 against England in their Super Eights opener, suffered yet another batting meltdown.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could only score 107/8 with Ravindra -- who also made 32 with the bat -- leading the spin charge after pacer Matt Henry rocked the islanders in the powerplay with a sensational bowling display of 2-1-3-2.
Cole McConchie justified his selection with a composed unbeaten 31 off 23 balls (3x4, 2x6) while skipper Mitchell Santner came into his own with a 26-ball 47 (2x4, 4x6) as the duo stitched a match-defining 84-run seventh wicket stand off 47 balls to lift New Zealand to 168/7 after Sri Lanka opted to bowl.
After allowing the Kiwis to score 70 runs in the last four overs, Sri Lanka, who had collapsed for 95 against England in their Super Eights opener, suffered yet another batting meltdown.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could only score 107/8 with Ravindra -- who also made 32 with the bat -- leading the spin charge after pacer Matt Henry rocked the islanders in the powerplay with a sensational bowling display of 2-1-3-2.
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