Advertisement

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Super 8 - Match 6 Commentary, Live Updates

SL vs NZ, 2026 - T20 Live Commentary

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Scorecard
Share
Match Ended   
107/8 (20.0/20)
168/7 (20.0/20)
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs
What's on the menu for Thursday? A double header in Group 1 awaits us on 26th February, and both games carry major implications in the race for the semi-finals. First up, in Ahmedabad at 9.30 am GMT, South Africa and West Indies square off in what could be a decisive clash. The winner will take a giant stride towards sealing a spot in the knockouts. Later in the day, at 1.30 pm GMT in Chennai, two teams who will have one eye on that earlier game take the field as India and Zimbabwe lock horns. As always, you can join us early for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!
Qualification scenario in Group 2 - England, with their win over Pakistan on Tuesday, are already through to the semi-finals. With Sri Lanka now out of the race, it is down to New Zealand and Pakistan for the remaining spot in the group. New Zealand's next assignment is against England on 27th February. A win for the Kiwis will seal their place in the final four. Pakistan play a day later, on 28th February, against Sri Lanka. By then, they will have clarity on whether they are in the race. If New Zealand slip up against England, Pakistan will remain in the hunt and would need a win big enough to overtake the Kiwis on net run rate. At the moment, Pakistan's NRR is -0.461, while New Zealand enjoy a massive cushion at +3.050.
Wicket spun more than they thought - The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner admits that Sri Lanka bowled exceptionally well through the middle phase, picking up three quick wickets and tightening the squeeze. He adds that the plan, alongside Cole McConchie, was to push the total towards 140, and feels that getting past 160 in the end was a strong recovery. Details that it was a kind of pitch where if you get in, you need to give yourself some time, and then cash in on the opportunities. Says it looked like a good wicket, but it spun more than they expected. He praises McConchie’s effort, mentioning that both of them had a cautious start but benefited from taking the innings deep. He also observes that the pitch offered more turn than expected for both sides, which allowed spinners to control their lengths, especially with the bigger boundaries in play. On the bowling front, Santner says the conditions made it clear that spin would play a major role, something reinforced by watching earlier matches. He adds that while spin dominated, seamers were still effective in patches, making it a balanced effort overall.
Can't rely on one or two individuals with the bat - Sri Lanka's skipper, Dasun Shanaka says that it is really embarrassing to disappoint the fans. Adds that the partnership between Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie took the game away from them. He states that he didn't expect the pitch to turn the way it did, as it was a new track. Dasun shares that they wanted to restrict their opposition to under 130, but the opposition batters simply outplayed them. He also gives credit to the Kiwi bowlers who bowled the correct lengths. Mentions that he is now looking forward to facing Pakistan, and he hopes that his batting unit takes a bit more responsibility.
Time to hear from the captains...
Sri Lanka let it slip from 84/6 - After being asked to bat first, New Zealand raced away to 30 in the first three overs before the home side stormed back into the game through their spinners. With New Zealand reduced to 84/6, Sri Lanka looked firmly in control, but just as it happened when they faced Ireland in the group stage, where Ireland had things under control before losing their way at the death, the script flipped. This time, the island nation was on the receiving end as New Zealand found a way to recover strongly through Cole McConchie and Mitchell Santner. The wheels came off for the Lankans at the back end as they conceded 70 runs in the final 4 overs.
Sri Lanka beaten at their game - 17 overs of spin from New Zealand proved too much for the home side to handle. After Matt Henry struck early in the Powerplay to do the initial damage, the spinners took over and tightened their grip on the contest. Just 20 runs came off the Powerplay, and Kusal Mendis, struggling with his leg, did not help the Sri Lankan cause. Like in the England game, the hosts left much to be desired with their shot selection, and Ravindra in particular spun a web around the batters.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - No surprises as Rachin Ravindra wins the award for his all-round heroics. 32 off 22 with the bat, followed by a superb bowling effort of 4/27. Rachin receives the award from Simon Doull. Says it is pleasing to get the win and play a good game of cricket. Credits Sri Lanka as well, calling them a strong side at home. Adds that it was awesome to see contributions coming from across the board. On being asked about what worked with the ball, he details that understanding that bowling slower was better. He also highlights that a few stats were put out there to bowl under 85 kph to get success on this pitch. Says Santner is a master at that craft, so they decided that the slower they bowl, the better. Also detail that Maheesh also bowled to them with those slow offies, which helped them understand better. On contributing in all facets of the game, Rachin says it is just about contributing to the team. Adds if you can bat in the top three and bowl some overs, it will help the team massively. So he feels good to contribute with both bat and ball. On playing in front of the Sri Lankan crowd, he says the atmosphere was incredible. Shares that walking out and hearing the national anthems, he adds, serves as a reminder of why they play the game. He also notes that the fans were chanting 'New Zealand, New Zealand' at times, and credits the supporters for turning up in huge numbers as well.
A comprehensive win for New Zealand - Who would have thought the night would unfold like this when the Kiwis were under the pump with the bat? They not only turned the game around but, with this 61-run win, they have boosted their net run rate significantly, which could prove crucial in the qualification race. For Sri Lanka, it is a major disappointment. They have been found wanting with the bat in both matches in the Super 8s. With this result, they can no longer qualify for the semis.
End Of The Over 20 : 107/8
3 Runs
  • 019.1
  • 119.2
  • 019.3
  • W 19.4
  • 119.5
  • 119.6
D. Chameera
7 (12)
M. Theekshana
1 (1)
G. Phillips
4-0-21-1
19.6
1
Glenn Phillips To Dushmantha Chameera
NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 61 RUNS! It's all over for Sri Lanka! In front of the middle pole, full in length, Dushmantha Chameera advances down the track and mistimes the heave to the right of mid-wicket for a single.
19.5
1
Glenn Phillips To Maheesh Theekshana
Too full, around off, drilled down to long off for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana walks in next.
19.4
W
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage OUT!
OUT! TOP EDGE AND CAUGHT! Phillips loves every bit of that, and why not? Full and fired in on leg, Wellalage goes hard on the slog sweep behind square on the leg side, playing it aerially. He gets a top edge that flies high to the left of Ravindra at deep square leg. Rachin tracks it well, charges across, and completes the catch.
19.3
0
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
Top drawer effort in the deep from Chapman! Full on off, he nails the slog sweep between deep square and deep mid-wicket. It races away, but Chapman charges across to his left and dives full stretch to pull it back just in time. Ravindra is quick on the relay and gets rid of the ball, throwing it to the keeper. The batters don’t run. There’s a check to see if any part of Chapman’s leg made contact with the ropes while holding the ball in hand, but the replay confirms it’s a clean save.
19.2
1
Glenn Phillips To Dushmantha Chameera
Much fuller, on off, Chameera shimmies down to flick but gets an inside edge towards the backward square leg region for a single.
19.1
0
Glenn Phillips To Dushmantha Chameera
Pushed full and on off, Chameera tries the paddle sweep, but gets beaten.
Time for the final over of the game. Glenn Phillips to bowl.
End Of The Over 19 : 104/7
4 Runs
  • 018.1
  • 118.2
  • 118.3
  • 118.4
  • 018.5
  • 118.6
D. Chameera
5 (9)
D. Wellalage
29 (21)
M. Santner
4-0-19-1
18.6
1
Mitchell Santner To Dushmantha Chameera
Slows it up again, and Chameera pulls this short ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.
18.5
0
Mitchell Santner To Dushmantha Chameera
JAFFA! Cunningly flighted on a fuller length, in front of off. It lands, grips away to beat Chameera's attempted sweep shot. The ball bounces over the off pole and the keeper gathers it.
18.4
1
Mitchell Santner To Dunith Wellalage
Drag-downer, at 76.1 kph, outside off, Dunith Wellalage is quick to rock back and cuts it to deep point for another run.
18.3
1
Mitchell Santner To Dushmantha Chameera
More flight on a short length, on middle. Dushmantha Chameera hangs deep in the crease and dinks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
18.2
1
Mitchell Santner To Dunith Wellalage
On a length, on middle and leg, Dunith Wellalage advances down a bit and eases it down to long on for a single.
18.1
0
Mitchell Santner To Dunith Wellalage
Goes for the sweep shot on this full ball, but misses as it grips and turns in to beat the bat and rap him on the front pad.
End Of The Over 18 : 100/7
5 Runs
  • 117.1
  • 1 B 17.2
  • 017.3
  • 117.4
  • 117.5
  • 117.6
D. Wellalage
27 (18)
D. Chameera
3 (6)
G. Phillips
3-0-18-0
17.6
1
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
In-between length, outside off, crunched to deep cover-point for a single. 100 UP FOR SRI LANKA!
17.5
1
Glenn Phillips To Dushmantha Chameera
A slight appeal for LBW, but not given. Pitched fuller and around off, spinning in sharply with a bit of bounce. Dushmantha Chameera tries to sweep, but gets it off the gloves and the ball lobs on the bounce towards Finn Allen at short fine leg. A single taken.
17.4
1
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
Fuller than the previous ball, on off, Dunith Wellalage drags his hands in front after getting down on a knee and sweeps it to deep square leg for one more.
17.3
0
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
Closer to the stumps, on a shorter length, Dunith Wellalage stays leg side and dabs it to short third.
17.2
b
Glenn Phillips To Dushmantha Chameera
Very sharp spin down the leg side, on a fractionally fuller length. Dushmantha Chameera misses the flick and the ball deflects off the keeper's gloves and rolls to short fine leg for a bye.
17.1
1
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
Overpitched on middle, Dunith Wellalage carves it to deep point for a single.
End Of The Over 17 : 95/7
8 Runs
  • 016.1
  • 116.2
  • 416.3
  • 216.4
  • 016.5
  • 116.6
D. Wellalage
24 (14)
D. Chameera
2 (4)
R. Ravindra
4-0-27-4
16.6
1
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
Short in length, around off, Dunith covers the line and heaves it to deep square leg for a single. A fantastic spell from Rachin Ravindra as he ends with figures of 4-0-27-4.
16.5
0
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
Full, across off, Dunith dabs it down on the off side.
16.4
2
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
Shortish delivery, on middle, Dunith Wellalage goes deep inside the crease and pulls it to deep square leg's right for two runs.
16.3
4
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
FOUR! A good effort from Henry, all in vain. Short and wide outside off, Wellalage stays deep in the crease and rolls his wrists on the pull, sending it behind square on the leg side and beats the dive of Henry to his left for a boundary.
16.2
1
Rachin Ravindra To Dushmantha Chameera
A bit too full, on leg, Dushmantha Chameera whips it to the right of long on for a single.
16.1
0
Rachin Ravindra To Dushmantha Chameera
Drifts in and then spins away from middle. Dushmantha Chameera is nowhere close to the pitch of the ball to defend and the ball spins past his outside edge to beat him all ends up.
End Of The Over 16 : 87/7
10 Runs
  • 615.1
  • 215.2
  • 115.3
  • 015.4
  • 115.5
  • 015.6
D. Wellalage
17 (10)
D. Chameera
1 (2)
G. Phillips
2-0-14-0
15.6
0
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
On a good length, off break outside the off stump. Dunith shapes to cut off the backfoot and is beaten on the outside edge.
15.5
1
Glenn Phillips To Dushmantha Chameera
Sharp spin on a fuller length, outside off, Dushmantha Chameera presses ahead to block, but gets an inside edge to the square leg region for a single.
15.4
0
Glenn Phillips To Dushmantha Chameera
Goes straighter this time, full and outside off, Dushmantha Chameera steps across off, gets down to his knee and tries to sweep, but misses to connect.
15.3
1
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
The off break, on a length, outside off, Dunith slashes it like a knife to deep backward point for a single.
15.2
2
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
Pushed through, full and around off, Dunith leans forward with a big stride and eases it through the vacant point region for a brace.
15.1
6
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
SIX! Into the stands! GP drops it a bit too full and on off, Dunith Wellalage sits down on a knee and slog sweeps it behind deep backward square leg for a six.
Dushmantha Chameera comes out to the middle. Glenn Phillips to roll his arm over now.
End Of The Over 15 : 77/7
6 Runs
  • 014.1
  • 014.2
  • 214.3
  • 214.4
  • 214.5
  • W 14.6
K. Mendis
31 (23)
D. Wellalage
8 (6)
M. Santner
3-0-15-1
14.6
W
Mitchell Santner To Kamindu Mendis OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! Kamindu Mendis could not have picked out the fielder in the deep any better and he has picked the best fielder in the New Zealand side. A half-tracker, on middle and leg. Mendis goes deep in the crease, swivels and pulls it hard. He hits it well but does not get any elevation. Hits it straight down the throat of deep mid-wicket, where Glenn Phillips takes the reverse cup catch near his chest.
14.5
2
Mitchell Santner To Kamindu Mendis
On a length, on the stumps, drilled down to the right of Ferguson at long on this time. Two more taken.
14.4
2
Mitchell Santner To Kamindu Mendis
Flat and short, on middle and leg. Kamindu stands tall and smashes it over the leaping mid-wicket fielder for a couple more.
14.3
2
Mitchell Santner To Kamindu Mendis
Short ball, spinning back in from middle. Kamindu Mendis pulls it between long on and deep mid-wicket and by the time Lockie Ferguson cuts it off to his left from long on, they hurry back for two.
14.2
0
Mitchell Santner To Kamindu Mendis
Slows it down now, on a good length, Kamindu reverse sweeps it hard but can't beat backward point.
14.1
0
Mitchell Santner To Kamindu Mendis
Pushed down leg, on a length. Mendis walks over to the off side for the reverse but misses. Wide not given as the umpire feels that had Kamindu been in his standing position, the ball would have hit him on the pads.
DRINKS BREAK! Sri Lanka are staring down the barrel at 71/6. This is the last recognised batting pair out in the middle, and the required run rate has gone over 16. Given the slowness of the wicket and the turn the spinners have extracted, New Zealand will back themselves to close out the game from here with still plenty overs of spin at their disposal. Mitchell Santner brings himself on after the break. 2-0-9-0 so far for the Kiwi skipper.
End Of The Over 14 : 71/6
4 Runs
  • 013.1
  • 113.2
  • 013.3
  • 113.4
  • 113.5
  • 113.6
K. Mendis
25 (17)
D. Wellalage
8 (6)
G. Phillips
1-0-4-0
13.6
1
Glenn Phillips To Kamindu Mendis
Length ball, on middle, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and knocks it down to long on for a single.
13.5
1
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
On a length around off and turning away, he shapes for the reverse sweep and only manages a faint tickle down to short third. They settle for a single.
13.4
1
Glenn Phillips To Kamindu Mendis
A touch short, on off, Kamindu arches back and punches it to deep cover for a single.
13.3
0
Glenn Phillips To Kamindu Mendis
Turns away from a fuller length, outside off, Kamindu leans on and opens the bat face to run it behind, finding short third.
13.2
1
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
Drags the length back, on off, Dunith Wellalage slashes it off the back foot to deep point for a single.
13.1
0
Glenn Phillips To Dunith Wellalage
Tossed up nicely, full and around off, spinning away. Dunith pushes it to backward point.
End Of The Over 13 : 67/6
8 Runs
  • 012.1
  • W 12.2
  • 112.3
  • 112.4
  • 412.5
  • 1 WD 12.6
  • 112.6
D. Wellalage
6 (3)
K. Mendis
23 (14)
R. Ravindra
3-0-19-4
12.6
1
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
Short, outside off, Dunith Wellalage punches it to long on for a single.
12.6
wd
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
WIDE! Short, down the leg side, Dunith Wellalage misses his flick.
12.5
4
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
FOUR! Sri Lanka need more of these! Much fuller, wide outside off. Dunith Wellalage plants his front foot towards the delivery and goes hard on the drive. The ball goes off the outer half and through the backward point region for four runs.
12.4
1
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
Fuller, turning in, on leg, Kamindu Mendis clips it to square leg. Single taken.
12.3
1
Rachin Ravindra To Dunith Wellalage
Short, outside off, Dunith Wellalage takes a step across the stumps and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Glum faces in the Sri Lankan dugout as Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga watch on. Dunith Wellalage makes his way out to bat.
12.2
W
Rachin Ravindra To Dushan Hemantha OUT!
OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Wicket number 4 for Rachin Ravindra. He is having some fun out there in the middle with the ball. Tossed up outside off and turning away, Hemantha drops to one knee and goes for the big heave across the line. He doesn’t get hold of it, mistiming it off the top edge. It sails high but not far enough, towards widish long on. Daryl Mitchell sprints in from long on to his right, slides on his knees, and snaffles it inches above the turf. Sri Lanka go further down and are reduced to 59/6, needing 110 more.
12.1
0
Rachin Ravindra To Dushan Hemantha
Fuller, wide outside off, turning away. Dushan Hemantha looks to reverse sweep like his partner but fails to get the connection.
End Of The Over 12 : 59/5
12 Runs
  • 111.1
  • 111.2
  • 111.3
  • 411.4
  • 011.5
  • 1 WD 11.6
  • 411.6
K. Mendis
22 (13)
D. Hemantha
3 (4)
C. McConchie
3-0-20-0
11.6
4
Cole McConchie To Kamindu Mendis
FOUR! Off the edge. Quicker and shorter, outside off, Kamindu Mendis is a bit late on the cut shot, gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes past the keeper and through the right of short third for a boundary.
11.6
wd
Cole McConchie To Kamindu Mendis
WIDE! Short, wide outside off, Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone.
11.5
0
Cole McConchie To Kamindu Mendis
Short, outside off, Kamindu Mendis misses his cut shot.
11.4
4
Cole McConchie To Kamindu Mendis
FOUR! That's a shot that he plays really well! Tossed up, fuller, around off. Kamindu Mendis once again reverse sweeps it up and over backward point for the boundary.
11.3
1
Cole McConchie To Dushan Hemantha
Short, around off, Dushan Hemantha lofts it over the bowler. Single taken. Finally, 50 UP FOR SRI LANKA!
11.2
1
Cole McConchie To Kamindu Mendis
Short, outside off, Kamindu Mendis cuts it to deep point for a single.
11.1
1
Cole McConchie To Dushan Hemantha
Full, around off, Dushan Hemantha punches it aerially to long on and gets a single.
End Of The Over 11 : 47/5
2 Runs
  • 010.1
  • 110.2
  • W 10.3
  • 010.4
  • 110.5
  • 010.6
K. Mendis
13 (9)
D. Hemantha
1 (2)
R. Ravindra
2-0-11-3
10.6
0
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
Short, outside off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it back to the bowler.
10.5
1
Rachin Ravindra To Dushan Hemantha
Short, on middle, Dushan Hemantha pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
10.4
0
Rachin Ravindra To Dushan Hemantha
That's some turn off the track! A touch shorter, pitching it just outside off and turning it away from the batter. Dushan leans forward to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
The Sri Lankan skipper goes now and the game is slipping away at a rapid pace from them. Dushan Hemantha is in at number 7.
10.3
W
Rachin Ravindra To Dasun Shanaka OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! 3 wickets in 9 balls for Rachin Ravindra. Not the best of balls by Rachin, though. This is short and wide on off, Shanaka hops and gives himself room to thrash it away on the off side. He gets on his toes but fails to get on top of the bounce, and his body weight is falling back. The ball spins away and it lobs off a top edge to backward point, where Finn Allen gobbles it up. Sri Lanka have lost half their side for 46.
10.2
1
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
Short, around middle and leg, Kamil Mishara nudges it to short fine leg and gets across for one run.
10.1
0
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
Short, pitching it wide outside off and turns in sharply, on middle. Kamil Mishara looks to pull it but misses the connection on the inside edge and takes a blow on his hips.
End Of The Over 10 : 45/4
9 Runs
  • 19.1
  • 19.2
  • 49.3
  • 19.4
  • 19.5
  • 19.6
K. Mendis
12 (6)
D. Shanaka
3 (4)
I. Sodhi
2-0-13-0
9.6
1
Ish Sodhi To Kamindu Mendis
Short, on middle. Kamindu Mendis sweeps it to deep mid-wicket and gets a comfortable single.
9.5
1
Ish Sodhi To Dasun Shanaka
Full, around leg, Dasun Shanaka eases it to long on for a single.
9.4
1
Ish Sodhi To Kamindu Mendis
Not far away from going to hand! Shorter and googly, on off. Mendis reaches out for the cut. Slices it off the outer half to backward point, where Lockie Ferguson runs in but the ball drops short. There is a shy at the bowling end but misses. The batters run on the overthrow as the ball goes to long on. Daryl Mitchell eventually mops it up.
9.3
4
Ish Sodhi To Kamindu Mendis
FOUR! Predetermined and effective! Fuller, around off. Kamindu Mendis reverse sweeps it over and between the short third and backward point region for four runs. They need plenty of those.
9.2
1
Ish Sodhi To Dasun Shanaka
Flighted low full toss, on off. Dasun Shanaka lofts it to long on and gets a single.
9.1
1
Ish Sodhi To Kamindu Mendis
Short, wide outside off, Kamindu heaves it from the inner half of his bat, across the line, to long on. Single taken.
End Of The Over 9 : 36/4
9 Runs
  • W 8.1
  • 2 WD 8.2
  • W 8.2
  • 08.3
  • 18.4
  • 48.5
  • 1 WD 8.6
  • 18.6
K. Mendis
5 (2)
D. Shanaka
1 (2)
R. Ravindra
1-0-9-2
8.6
1
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
Full, on off, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to square leg for a single.
8.6
wd
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
WIDE! Short, down the leg side, Kamindu Mendis misses his sweep shot.
8.5
4
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
FOUR! Not a clean shot, but Mendis will take those runs! Tossed up, fuller, just outside off, turning in. Kamindu Mendis gets down on one knee and looks to sweep it, but gets the top edge. The ball flies well over the short fine leg fielder. The deep square leg fielder sprints hard to his left to save the boundary but fails to get there in time.
8.4
1
Rachin Ravindra To Dasun Shanaka
Full, around off, Dasun Shanaka drives it to long off for a single.
8.3
0
Rachin Ravindra To Dasun Shanaka
Short again, pitching it outside off and turns it away. Dasun Shanaka looks to defend but the ball spins and goes past the outside edge with a large gap.
8.2
W
Rachin Ravindra To Pavan Rathnayake OUT!
OUT! STUMPED! Another one bites the dust. Two wickets in the over for Rachin Ravindra. Flighted again, fuller and outside off. Pavan Rathnayake gives a charge to the bowler. He pushes away from his body but fails to get to the pitch of the ball. The ball lands and turns prodigiously past the bat. Tim Seifert gathers the ball to his right and does the rest with Pavan well out of his crease. Sri Lanka slip further into trouble. They are now 29/4, chasing 169. Dasun Shanaka is the new batter.
The Sri Lankan fans are shellshocked at the R. Premadasa with the way things have gone about for the home side. They just cannot afford to lose more wickets from this position.
8.2
wd
Rachin Ravindra To Kamindu Mendis
TWO WIDES! Rachin Ravindra misses his line and length. Short, on middle, turning it wide down the leg side. Kamindu Mendis makes a leave, and the keeper fails to collect it cleanly. The ball rolls to short fine leg and the batters cross.
The slide continues for Sri Lanka. Kamindu Mendis is the next batter in.
8.1
W
Rachin Ravindra To Kusal Mendis OUT!
OUT! STUMPED! Immediate impact from Rachin Ravindra. This could well be a blessing in disguise for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis was anyway struggling, and his departure will at least help in improving the running between the wickets. Floated up, outside off, on a length. Mendis comes down the track early and then, after seeing the line and length, he has to adjust. He tries to extend his hands and reach for it but the ball spins past the outside edge. Tim Seifert is quick to whip the bails off. The third umpire is summoned for a check. The replays show that Mendis tried to plonk his back leg inside the crease, but he could not do so in time.
After 8 overs, Sri Lanka are 27/2. At the same stage, New Zealand were 59/2. Rachin Ravindra is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Mitchell Santner.
End Of The Over 8 : 27/2
4 Runs
  • 17.1
  • 07.2
  • 17.3
  • 17.4
  • 07.5
  • 17.6
K. Mendis
11 (21)
P. Rathnayake
10 (17)
I. Sodhi
1-0-4-0
7.6
1
Ish Sodhi To Kusal Mendis
Short of a length again from Sodhi, outside off, Kusal Mendis slaps it to deep cover for a single.
7.5
0
Ish Sodhi To Kusal Mendis
Googly and quicker, on middle. Kusal Mendis rocks back and dabs it to cover.
7.4
1
Ish Sodhi To Pavan Rathnayake
Short, around the hips of the batter. Pavan Rathnayake tucks it through mid-wicket and gets a single.
7.3
1
Ish Sodhi To Kusal Mendis
Short and just outside off, Kusal Mendis slaps it through point for a single.
7.2
0
Ish Sodhi To Kusal Mendis
Short, on off, Kusal Mendis pushes it to cover.
7.1
1
Ish Sodhi To Pavan Rathnayake
Ish Sodhi joins the attack and jogs from over the wicket. Starts off with a googly, angling down the leg side. Pavan Rathnayake rocks back and nudges it to mid-wicket for one.
End Of The Over 7 : 23/2
3 Runs
  • 06.1
  • 16.2
  • 06.3
  • 06.4
  • 16.5
  • 16.6
P. Rathnayake
8 (15)
K. Mendis
9 (17)
M. Santner
2-0-9-0
6.6
1
Mitchell Santner To Pavan Rathnayake
A touch fuller, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake lunges and gently pushes it through cover for an easy single.
6.5
1
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
Short, outside off, Kusal Mendis punches it to deep cover for a single.
6.4
0
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
Short and on off, this is punched off the back foot by Mendis, but he can't get it past cover.
6.3
0
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
Full, on middle, Kusal Mendis pushes it to the left of the bowler.
6.2
1
Mitchell Santner To Pavan Rathnayake
Short and outside off, Pavan Rathnayake stands tall to steer it away. The short third fielder moves to his right but fails to field it as the ball goes through his legs. Single taken.
6.1
0
Mitchell Santner To Pavan Rathnayake
Tossed up, fuller, outside off. Pavan Rathnayake crouches a bit low and punches it to short cover.
DRINKS BREAK! Mark Howard on air mentions that with 20/2 on the board, this is Sri Lanka's lowest Powerplay score in the T20 World Cups. Pretty much sums up their condition right now. They need a steady partnership, but with Kusal Mendis struggling to run between the wickets with a leg issue, it only makes matters worse for Sri Lanka. New Zealand have used their cards smartly by introducing spin inside the restrictions as the ball has gripped and turned. They would look to further choke on the scoring and keep picking up wickets at regular intervals in this middle phase. Mitchell Santner (1-0-6-0) to continue after the break.
End Of The Over 6 : 20/2
3 Runs
  • 05.1
  • 05.2
  • 1 LB 5.3
  • 05.4
  • 15.5
  • 15.6
P. Rathnayake
6 (12)
K. Mendis
8 (14)
L. Ferguson
1-0-2-0
5.6
1
Lockie Ferguson To Pavan Rathnayake
Rathnayake expects a short ball and goes right back in the crease. Ferguson responds by slipping in the yorker, on middle. Pavan jams it out in front of cover and takes a single. Just 3 runs off Ferguson's first over. Sri Lanka are going nowhere in the chase.
5.5
1
Lockie Ferguson To Kusal Mendis
A bit of curve back into the right-hander on this slower ball. On a length, on middle. Kusal clips it wide of mid-wicket for a run.
5.4
0
Lockie Ferguson To Kusal Mendis
Cuts back in sharply and the ball kicks up on the batter. On a good length, on the off pole. Kusal is taken aback and fends it down awkwardly.
5.3
lb
Lockie Ferguson To Pavan Rathnayake
Leg bye! Pace taken off, on a good length, on the pads. Rathnayake looks to help it away but misses. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the pads to short fine leg.
5.2
0
Lockie Ferguson To Pavan Rathnayake
Ferguson hits the hard length, on middle. Pavan rides the bounce and pats it to mid on.
5.1
0
Lockie Ferguson To Pavan Rathnayake
Ferguson steams in from over the wicket and hits the top of off. Rathnayake stays leg side and angles it to backward point.
Lockie Ferguson is brought into the attack now, replacing Cole McConchie.
End Of The Over 5 : 17/2
6 Runs
  • 14.1
  • 14.2
  • 04.3
  • 44.4
  • 04.5
  • 04.6
K. Mendis
7 (12)
P. Rathnayake
5 (8)
M. Santner
1-0-6-0
4.6
0
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
Darts this one in, on a good length, on the off stump. Mendis stabs it down on the off side watchfully.
4.5
0
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
Uppish but safe! This is slowed down by Santner, fuller and outside off, Mendis pushes out in front of his body as he looks to force it away on the off side. The ball lobs off the outer half to point, where it lands well in front of the fielder.
4.4
4
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Gets it away! Skidding through, shorter and on the leg stump. Kusal goes deep in the crease and walks inside the line. Uses the pace and the angle to help it behind square leg for a four.
4.3
0
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
Drops it short, on off, Kusal hops back and cuts but picks out backward point.
4.2
1
Mitchell Santner To Pavan Rathnayake
Angled into the off stump, Pavan steps out and drives this full ball to wide long off for another single.
4.1
1
Mitchell Santner To Kusal Mendis
Flighted delivery from around the wicket, full and on middle. Kusal works it to long off for a run.
End Of The Over 4 : 11/2
2 Runs
  • 03.1
  • 13.2
  • 03.3
  • 03.4
  • 13.5
  • 03.6
P. Rathnayake
4 (7)
K. Mendis
2 (7)
C. McConchie
2-0-8-0
3.6
0
Cole McConchie To Pavan Rathnayake
Shorter and on middle, Rathnayake paddles it to short fine leg.
3.5
1
Cole McConchie To Kusal Mendis
On a nagging length, around leg, Kusal works it square on the leg side for a single.
3.4
0
Cole McConchie To Kusal Mendis
Full and quick at the sticks, Mendis eases it back to the bowler.
3.3
0
Cole McConchie To Kusal Mendis
Shorter and around leg, Kusal works it off the hips to square leg for another single.
3.2
1
Cole McConchie To Pavan Rathnayake
Drifting away from the right-hander, full in length, Pavan taps it in front of mid off and gets across for a single.
3.1
0
Cole McConchie To Pavan Rathnayake
Attacking the front pad, on a length, Rathnayake tucks it to mid-wicket.
End Of The Over 3 : 9/2
3 Runs
  • W 2.1
  • 02.2
  • 02.3
  • 22.4
  • 12.5
  • 02.6
K. Mendis
1 (4)
P. Rathnayake
3 (4)
M. Henry
2-1-3-2
2.6
0
Matt Henry To Kusal Mendis
Pushes the length up, does Henry, on off. Kusal firms the drive along the ground to mid off. End of another successful over from Henry.
2.5
1
Matt Henry To Pavan Rathnayake
On a hard length, over off, Rathnayake hops and glides it to deep third for a single.
2.4
2
Matt Henry To Pavan Rathnayake
Nipping back in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg. Pavan Rathnayake hops to keep it out off the back foot. Gets an inside edge that goes to the left of short fine leg for a couple of runs.
2.3
0
Matt Henry To Pavan Rathnayake
Ouch, that has hurt! Tucking the batter up for room, on a short of a length, Pavan swivels for the pull buti is rushed and the ball catches him in the midriff.
2.2
0
Matt Henry To Pavan Rathnayake
A play and a miss! In the channel, on a good length, Pavan leans across for the drive but is beaten on the outside edge.
Couldn't have been a worse possible start for the Islanders, but that was a nothing shot from Asalanka, truly. Pavan Rathnayake makes his way to the crease at number 4.
2.1
W
Matt Henry To Charith Asalanka OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! A soft dismissal. The slower ball does the trick for Matt Henry. This is the off-cutter, at only 121.2 kph, bowled into the surface, on off. Charith Asalanka jumps out of the crease premeditatively. He is nowhere near the pitch of the ball, and it is going away from him. He still has a swing at it and loses his shape. Spoons it tamely to mid-wicket, where Daryl Mitchell takes a sitter. Sri Lanka are 6/2, chasing 169.
End Of The Over 2 : 6/1
6 Runs
  • 01.1
  • 11.2
  • 41.3
  • 01.4
  • 11.5
  • 01.6
K. Mendis
1 (3)
C. Asalanka
5 (8)
C. McConchie
1-0-6-0
1.6
0
Cole McConchie To Kusal Mendis
Full and around off, Kusal knocks it to mid off.
1.5
1
Cole McConchie To Charith Asalanka
Not in control but safe! Floated up, full and wide on off. Asalanka reaches out and tries to drag it down the ground. Skies it off the toe end of the blade but clears the back tracking Mark Chapman at mid on. The second run was on but Mendis was slow to complete the first run.
1.4
0
Cole McConchie To Charith Asalanka
Beaten! This is slower and wider on off, the length stays full. Charith is made to reach out and he pushes away from his body. The ball drops on him and rips past the outside edge.
1.3
4
Cole McConchie To Charith Asalanka
FOUR! Good shot! Cole McConchie gives it a bit of air, fuller and on off. Asalanka gets low and brings out the broom. He takes the risk of going against the turn, but he executes the shot well, playing it over square leg for a four.
1.2
1
Cole McConchie To Kusal Mendis
Skidding through, on a nagging length, on middle. Kusal turns it to the right of the man at mid-wicket and takes a quick single. Mendis and Sri Lanka are underway.
1.1
0
Cole McConchie To Kusal Mendis
Flat and short from around the wicket, on middle. Kusal jabs it off the back foot to mid-wicket.
Spin or pace from the other end? Spin it will be. Here's Cole McConchie into the attack.
End Of The Over 1 : 0/1
0 Runs
  • W 0.1
  • 00.2
  • 00.3
  • 00.4
  • 00.5
  • 00.6
C. Asalanka
0 (5)
K. Mendis
0 (0)
M. Henry
1-1-0-1
0.6
0
Matt Henry To Charith Asalanka
Henry begins with a wicket-maiden! A bit of shape back into the left-hander, on a length, on middle and leg. Asalanka nudges it to mid-wicket. Simon Duoll mentions on air that this is the first maiden bowled by New Zealand at this World Cup. It could not have come at a better time for the Kiwis.
0.5
0
Matt Henry To Charith Asalanka
An ungainly swipe and Asalanka misses. Fuller in length, across off. Charith has a hoick across the line but the ball goes under the blade.
0.4
0
Matt Henry To Charith Asalanka
Henry hits the bat hard, on a back of a length. Asalanka waits on the back foot and fends it down.
0.3
0
Matt Henry To Charith Asalanka
The length is pulled back now, on middle. Charith Asalanka hangs back and stabs it down on the strip.
0.2
0
Matt Henry To Charith Asalanka
Too full, on off, Charith toe-ends the drive to cover.
Early blow for Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka walks in at number 3.
0.1
W
Matt Henry To Pathum Nissanka OUT!
OUT! TIMBER! A jaffa from Matt Henry. A deathly silence at the Premadasa as Pathum Nissanka falls for a golden duck. The nip-backer from a good length, on middle. Nissanka stays rooted to the crease to deal with it and pushes at the ball with hard hands. The ball jags back in sharply to beat the opener on the inside edge and crashes into the top of the middle stump.
Match Info
  • Venue R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
  • Weather Clear
  • Toss Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field
  • Result New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs
  • Player of the Match Rachin Ravindra
  • Umpire Allahudien Paleker (SA), Asif Yaqoob (PAK) and Rod Tucker (AUS)
  • Referee Sir Richie Richardson (WI)
Match Notes
  • Innings Break: New Zealand 168/7 in 20.0 overs
  • Referral 1 (19.3 ovs): Sri Lanka against M Santner (Caught) Unsuccessful (SL: 1, NZ: 2)
  • New Zealand 150/6 in 18.4 overs
  • 7th wkt Partnership: 50 off 34 balls between M Santner (22) and C McConchie (26)
  • New Zealand 100/6 in 16.1 overs
  • R Ravindra dropped on 25 by D Shanaka in 9.2 overs
  • Drinks: New Zealand 88/6 in 14.0 overs
  • New Zealand 50/2 in 6.4 overs
  • Drinks: New Zealand 44/2 in 6.0 overs
  • Mandatory Power play (1-6): New Zealand 44/2
  • G Phillips dropped on 2 by K Mendis in 5.5 overs
  • T Seifert dropped on 7 by M Theekshana in 2.3 overs
  • Sri Lanka 100/7 in 18.0 overs
  • Drinks: Sri Lanka 71/6 in 14.0 overs
  • Sri Lanka 50/5 in 11.3 overs
  • Mandatory Power play (1-6): Sri Lanka 20/2
  • Drinks: Sri Lanka 20/2 in 6.0 overs
Advertisement
Match Poll

Who will win?

Latest Form
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • A
  • W
  • L
  • W
Worm
Advertisement

Cricket News