Turning the screw, New Zealand delivered a spectacular all-round performance to demolish Sri Lanka by 61 runs in their Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday in Colombo. The thunderous victory has increasingly strengthened New Zealand's chances for a semifinal berth. Meanwhile, the defeat has almost put Sri Lanka out of the tournament.
After being put in to bat, New Zealand started well before suffering a stunning collapse. They slumped from 75/2 to 84/6, losing three wickets without adding a single run. Sri Lanka seized the momentum, sensing an opportunity to restrict the visitors to a modest total.
However, New Zealand recovered well after losing early wickets and posted 168/7 in 20 overs, riding on power-hitting from captain Mitchell Santner (47 off 26) and a gutsy contribution from Cole McConchie (31* off 23). Both players rose to the occasion, stitching together a vital 84-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rebuilding the innings and shifting the pressure back onto the hosts.
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback after Matt Henry set the tone immediately by dismissing opener Pathum Nissanka off the very first ball of the innings. The early breakthrough put New Zealand on top. Wickets continued to tumble as Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships.
Just when recovery seemed possible, Rachin Ravindra delivered a decisive spell. The young all-rounder returned outstanding figures, claiming four wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, despite fighting hard, managed 107/8 in 20 overs.