A brilliant four-wicket haul from Rachin Ravindra has set up New Zealand’s comfortable 61-run victory against Sri Lanka in the men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
He made a crucial 32-run knock and four wicket haul with a 6.80 economy, which has helped the Kiwis to secure 2nd place in the group 02 of the Super 8s stage in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 points table.
After being invited to bat first, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen opened the innings while Dilsha Madushanka opened the bowling attack.
Allen who made 23 runs off 13 deliveries got dismissed on a delivery from Maheesh Theekshana when he attempted a chip tamingly back to the bowler.
With Dushmantha Chameera bagged the wicket of Tim Seifert for 8 runs, Sri Lanka scored 44 runs in the powerplay. He picked his second wicket dismissing Glenn Phillips for 18 runs.
Rachin Ravindra who made 32 runs off 22 deliveries, has lost his wicket to Maheesh Theekshana. With Mark Chapman got dismissed by duck, New Zealand lost their third wicket after being stuck in 84 runs.
Daryl Mitchell got dismissed for 3 runs by Dunith Wellalage leaving New Zealand to tatter with losing 6 wickets for 84 runs.
However, a solid partnership from Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie revived New Zealand from quick dismissals as New Zealand scored 168 runs in their 20 over innings.
Mitchell Santner scored 47* runs while Cole McConchie added 31* runs to set up a challenging total against Sri Lanka.
Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera bagged three wickets each while Dunith Wellalage bagged a wicket in his four over spell.
A superb spell of 4/27 with the ball and useful runs with the bat propelled Rachin Ravindra to the @aramco POTM 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/aE3zQvQXiO
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 25, 2026
Chasing 169 run target, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis opened the innings while Matt Henry opened the bowling attack.
Matt Heny opened his account dismissing Pathum Nissanka on golden duck. Asalanka who joined Kusal Mendis for the chase, lost his wicket to Matt Henry.
With Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake at crease, Sri Lanka went on to score 20 runs in the powerplay.
Rachin Ravindra started his slaughter by dismissing Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake for 11 and 10 runs respectively.
He did not stop as he went on to bag the wickets of Dasun Shanaka and Dushan Hemantha for 3 runs each.
Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage did try to forge a partnership showing some resistance.
However, dismissal of Kamindu Mendis by Santner for 31 runs and Glenn Phillips bagging the wicket of Dunith Wellalage for 29 runs, Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana were at the crease in the final overs of the innings.
Sri Lanka scored 107 runs in their 20 over innings and suffered a 61-run defeat.
Rachin Ravindra had his four wicket haul while Matt Henry bagged two wickets. Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips picked one wicket each to complete their four over spell.
Sri Lanka’s T20 World cup campaign has come to an end as they failed to secure win in two games they played in Super 8 stages.
Rachin Ravindra was named the Player of the Match. Speaking on the post match conference, he said, “Yeah, I mean, it’s always pleasing to have a win like that and come in their own conditions and play a good game of cricket. Obviously, credit to Sri Lanka. They’re amazing, especially at home.”
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