New Zealand delivered a ruthless performance to eliminate Sri Lanka from the Super Eight stage. Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner led the charge in a dominant 61-run victory. Consequently, Sri Lanka’s campaign ended after a heavy collapse in Colombo.
Ravindra’s Four-Wicket Spell Dismantles Sri Lanka
Chasing 169 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka needed early stability. However, Matt Henry shattered those plans immediately. He clean bowled Pathum Nissanka on the first ball of the innings. Therefore, pressure mounted from the outset.
Henry struck again in the third over. He dismissed Charith Asalanka for five off nine balls. As a result, Sri Lanka slumped to 6 for two in 2.1 overs.
Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake attempted to rebuild cautiously. They rotated the strike but struggled to accelerate. Soon after, Rachin Ravindra seized control. He removed Mendis for 11 off 22 balls. Moreover, he dismissed Rathnayake for 10.
Ravindra continued his destructive spell confidently. He sent back skipper Dasun Shanaka for three. Consequently, Sri Lanka stumbled to 46 for five in 10.3 overs. He then removed Dushan Hemantha for three. At 59 for six, the contest tilted decisively.
Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage tried to resist bravely. Kamindu top-scored with 31 off 23 balls, hitting four boundaries. However, Mitchell Santner ended his stay in the 15th over. Sri Lanka slipped further to 77 for seven.
Wellalage played positively under pressure. He scored 29 off 23 deliveries, including two fours and one six. Nevertheless, Glenn Phillips removed him in the final over. The innings closed at 107 for eight in 20 overs. Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on one, while Dushmantha Chameera made seven.
