New Zealand edge closer to the semi-finals with a comfortable win over the hosts, Sri Lanka. The loss for Sri Lanka means that they are now out of the tournament and have only pride to play for against Pakistan in their next game while New Zealand now have a good chance of qualifying for the semis provided they beat England or Pakistan do not defeat Sri Lanka by a big Margin, in case the Black Caps don’t lose to England.
Sri Lanka start off well with the ball
Sri Lanka won the toss and put the Kiwis into bat. They had a good start as Maheesh Theekshana sent back Finn Allen cheaply for 23 off just 13 balls. Soon after, Dushmantha Chameera sent back the dangerous Tim Seifert for just 8, leaving New Zealand reeling at 34 for 2 in 4.2 overs.
Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips resurrect NZ’s innings
After losing two wickets early, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips tried to resurrect the innings and stitched a partnership of 41 runs. Just when Glenn Phillips had decided to take the attack to the bowlers, Chameera sent him back for run-a-ball 18. At that point, New Zealand were 75 for 3 in their 10 overs.
Sri Lanka fight back through Maheesh Theekshana
Once Glenn Phillips fell, New Zealand collapsed as Theekshana dismissed Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman in the same over. Daryl Mitchell was dismissed soon after by Dunith Wellalage, leaving New Zealand in trouble at 84 for 6.
Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie take New Zealand to 168 for 7
It was upon Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie to take New Zealand to a decent score. They started cautiously and took their time and they were 98 for 6 in 16 overs. It looked like they will be restricted to a low score but Santner and McConchie changed gears just then, taking apart the Sri Lankan bowlers. They specially took a liking to Sri Lanka’s best bowler Maheesh Theekshana as they blasted him for 21 runs in his final over. Santner finished with 47 off 26 balls and McConchie scored 31 runs. Their stand of 84 runs is the highest seventh wicket stand for New Zealand in T20 World Cups.
Sri Lanka never got going in the run chase
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a worst possible start as they lost their star batter, Pathum Nissanka off the first delivery to Matt Henry. Charith Asalanka also fell cheaply to Henry, leaving Sri Lanka 6 for 2. Post that they never got going as Kusal Mendis, struggling with an injury and Pavan Rathnayake took their time. Rachin Ravindra then took the wickets of Mendis and Rathnayake in the same over. Sri Lanka never recovered from that setback as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and fell well short. Rachin Ravindra was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with four wickets. With this loss, Sri Lanka are out of the tournament. It was a disappointing outing for them despite playing at home throughout.
