Sri Lanka, chasing the target of 169 runs, got two wickets in the very first over and the wicket of Pathum Nissanka fell on the very first ball of the second innings, as the batsman was out on zero on the ball of Matt Henry. Henry took another wicket by dismissing Charith Asalanka in the first over.
Matt Henry took the important wicket of Inform Nissanka; However, the latter failed to go beyond double figures for the second consecutive match. Pathum Nissanka scored 100 and fifty in the last two group stage games against Australia and Zimbabwe.
Pathum Nissanka’s streak of low scores continues
Pathum Nissanka has now scored 0 and 9 in the last two matches. Nissanka has been the highest run-scorer for the team with 208 runs. However, Pathum Nissanka’s form in the Super 8 will be a matter of concern for the island nation, as if they lose today, they will be eliminated from the competition.
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what a ball #matthenry to dismiss #doubtless On a golden goose. New Zealand made a great start by taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s main batsmen on the very first ball.
henry storm #Henry #nzvssl #disputed #kiwi #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/3rUWcpk5a1– CSD06 (@CSD11198) 25 February 2026
Talking about the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first. Kiwi openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave the team a fast start by scoring 30 runs in the first three overs. The latter of the two was aggressive and scored 23 runs off 13 balls.
New Zealand regains confidence after collapse
However, Allen was picked up by Mahesh Theekshana, who dropped Seifert’s catch before bowling his over. Seifert went back in the gap for three runs, with Dushmantha Chameera taking the wicket. The fast bowler also picked out Glenn Phillips with a brilliant delivery.
Rachin Ravindra scored 32 off 22 balls, playing a loose shot back against Theekshana as the Kiwis were at 84/4. In the same over, Theekshana took his third wicket by dismissing Mark Chapman for zero. They struggled with three wickets falling in the span of zero runs. At one time from 84/3 to 84/6.
Cole McConchie and captain Mitchell Santner flipped the switch as both batsmen scored at a good pace after settling in, scoring 78 runs in the last five overs. Both the batsmen made a partnership of 84 runs in 51 balls.
The former player scored 31 runs in 23 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes, while the captain scored 47 runs in 26 balls with the help of one four and four sixes. They set a target of 168/7. Mahesh Theekshana was the best bowler with the score of 30/3.
Sri Lanka’s batting collapsed once again
Thus, creating something for the bowlers to defend on a difficult surface. Currently, Sri Lanka are struggling at 49/5 after 11.2 overs, with both openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis returning to the pavilion. The latter, with 11 off 22, has been the highest scorer for the team so far.
Sri Lanka’s batting may have seen a decline in the Super 8, as they have struggled to play spin on their home ground. In his first Super 8 match against England, he was out for 95 while chasing 146 runs.
Also read: Fans react after Mitchell Santner saves New Zealand from an embarrassing first innings score against Sri Lanka