New Zealand have boosted their chances of a semi-final berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 after knocking out Sri Lanka. Mitchell Santner’s side produced a dominant performance at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 25 to beat the co-hosts by 61 runs.
The Black Caps’ victory left Pakistan in deep trouble heading into their final league match against Sri Lanka. To qualify, Pakistan must not only beat Sri Lanka but also hope that England beat New Zealand in their final Super 8 match. Even then, their progress will not be guaranteed as pure run rate could determine which of the two sides advance to the semi-finals with England already in the top four.
New Zealand had some nervous moments during the match against Sri Lanka, but Cole McConchie and Mitchell Santner steadied the innings before the rounders took control. Rachin Ravindra then produced a brilliant spell troubling the Sri Lankan batsmen with his guile and variations to keep the Black Caps firmly on top.
It marked the fifth consecutive T20 World Cup for Sri Lanka in which they have failed to reach the semi-finals since winning the title in 2014.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 25, 2026
