In a tournament where small margins have defined survival, the Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Theekshana Provided a moment of individual genius to save himself after a costly early mistake during t20 world cup 2026 match against new zealand. During the crucial Super 8 encounter against New Zealand on February 25, 2026, Theekshana changed the course of the match by executing a dangerous return catch. finn allen.
Just an over earlier, the mystery spinner had dropped a ‘sitter’ Tim Seifert at short third man off Dilshan Madushankabowling, a mistake that left the bowler fuming and putting Sri Lanka in danger of causing an upset to win the match. However, his quick-thinking athleticism shortly afterwards not only electrified the Sri Lankan camp, but also allowed him to set the pace individually before Allen snatched the game away.
Mahesh Theekshana’s redemption: A brilliant return catch to remove Finn Allen
New Zealand’s dismissal occurred in the fourth over of the innings, with Tim Seifert getting a lease of life from a Theekshana chance soon after. 3.1 Facing the delivery, Finn Allen moved deep inside his crease to stay on the leg-side of the carrom ball, attempting to take it away, but instead thrashed it back towards the bowler.
Showing remarkable alertness in his follow-through, Theekshana reacted quickly as the ball was left low to his left. He threw himself towards the turf and claimed the catch with both hands, a few inches above the ground. After completing the catch, he threw the ball towards the umpire and it hit the turf, a clear sign of both relief and disappointment at his earlier fielding error.
Here is the video:
Dushmantha Chameera and Theekshana give New Zealand an early win in Colombo
R. The Super 8 clash at the Premadasa Stadium has reached its climax as Sri Lanka’s bowling unit made an inspired start to restrict New Zealand to 75/3 after 10 overs. after Dasun Shanaka Having won a crucial toss and opted to bowl, Theekshana provided the first breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous-looking Allen for 23, taking a sharp catch-and-bowl to atone for the missed chance earlier.
When the momentum swung further in favor of the hosts Dushmantha Chameera Entered the attack, struck twice in quick succession to get out Tim Seifert For 8 more explosives glen phillips For 18, the latter was being beaten for pace as his stumps were shaken. currently, Rachin Ravindra Struggling alone with 26 runs and trying to hold on to the innings darryl mitchell As they navigate a surface that is already showing signs of significant turning and variable buoyancy.
The Colombo crowd is in high spirits as the Sri Lankan spinners, led by Theekshana, have effectively drained the boundaries, forcing the Kiwis into a cautious rebuilding phase. With the expected score falling below 160, New Zealand effectively desperately needs a big partnership in the latter half of the innings for the Black Caps to remain competitive in the knockout match.
See also: T20 World Cup 2026: Super 8 showdown in Pallekele turns ugly as England and Pakistan fans clash