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Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Big twist! Sri Lanka beat New Zealand to create history; Masterclass by Neelakshika Silva

By Samira Vishwas
  • Sri Lanka created history by defeating New Zealand
  • Masterclass by Neelakshika Silva
  • Consecutive defeat for New Zealand

ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 saw a big change in the tournament. Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the match at Southampton. In this ‘Group B’ match, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first and scored 150 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka completed the target with two balls to spare. Neelakshika Silva’s half-century helped Sri Lanka to a resounding win over New Zealand. She scored an unbeaten 54 off 37 balls while batting at number six. Wicketkeeper Kaushani Nutyangana formed an important partnership with her and scored 24 not out in 14 balls. Captain Chamari Atapattu also scored 27 runs. The win is historic for Sri Lanka, as it is the first time Sri Lanka have beaten New Zealand in a T20 World Cup.

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Sri Lanka’s historic win over New Zealand

Sri Lanka got off to a good start in replying to New Zealand’s target of 151 runs. Atapattu and Vishmi Gunaratne added 45 runs for the first wicket. But then the team’s batting stumbled. Neelakshika and Kavisha Dilhari then saved the team by putting on a 49-run partnership for the fifth wicket. After this partnership was broken, Neelakshika and Kaushani Nutyangana batted strongly to take the team to victory in the last over. Neelakshika remained unbeaten on 54 off 37 balls with five fours and a six. Kaushani remained unbeaten on 24 runs, while Chamari contributed 27 runs. For New Zealand, Nancy Patel took two wickets, while Bree Elling took one wicket.

Consecutive defeat for New Zealand

New Zealand’s Isabella Gage and Georgia Plymer opened the innings. New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine scored 45 runs each to take the team to 150, missing out on a half-century from top batsman Amelia Kerr, who scored 45 off 36 balls with five fours. Brook Halliday was then dismissed for seven runs. Sophie Devine also scored 45 off 30 balls with four fours and a six. For New Zealand, Maddie Green remained unbeaten on 18 runs, while Jess Kerr also scored six runs. The entire team managed to score only 150 runs in 20 overs, which was a very low score for Sri Lanka. From Sri Lanka, Mithali Ayodhya took 1 wicket with 24 runs in 4 overs. Kavisha Dilhari took 2 wickets. Atapattu, Sugandhika and Nimasha Meepage took 1 wicket each.

11 players from both teams:

Sri Lanka: Chamari Atapattu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshita Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Neelakshika Silva, Kaushani Nutyangana (keeper), Sugandhika Kumari, Kavya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya, Mithali A.

New Zealand: Isabella Gage (wicketkeeper), Georgia Plymer, Amelia Kerr (captain), Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddie Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Nancy Patel, Rosemary Meyer, Bree Elling.

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