New Zealand has defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs to eliminate the co-hosts from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and strengthen their own chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka faltered under pressure and could only manage 107-8, falling well short of New Zealand’s total of 168-7.
Earlier, New Zealand scored 168 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs in the 46th match of the T20 World Cup Super-Eights stage, Group 2 held in Colombo.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first. Batting strongly, New Zealand put up a competitive total.
Finn Allen was run out after scoring 23 runs, while Rachin Ravindra played a solid innings of 32 runs. Captain Mitchell Santner contributed an impressive 47 runs off just 26 balls, helping his team reach a strong total.
Among the other New Zealand batsmen, Glenn Phillips scored 18 runs, and Cole McConchie remained unbeaten on 31 runs.
In the end, New Zealand finished with 168/7 in their allotted 20 overs. For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera took three wickets each, while Dunith Wellalage claimed one wicket. Charith Asalanka and the other bowlers also contributed to the team’s efforts.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand in their Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo.
Sri Lanka made one change to their lineup, bringing in Charith Asalanka in place of Kamil Mishara. After losing to the England national cricket team in their opening match, Sri Lanka must win both of their remaining Super Eight fixtures to have a chance of reaching the semifinals alongside England.
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