Rachin Ravindra’s Spin Web Powers New Zealand to Crushing Win, Sri Lanka Exit T20 World Cup 2026

Colombo, Feb 2026 : New Zealand moved a decisive step closer to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 61-run victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka, as batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra delivered a match-defining all-round performance at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. The emphatic result not only strengthened New Zealand’s qualification prospects but also brought Sri Lanka’s campaign to a premature end in front of a subdued home crowd.

Ravindra emerged as the standout figure of the night, weaving a superb web with his crafty left-arm spin to claim career-best T20I figures of 4 for 27. His spell dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase and underlined New Zealand’s tactical superiority on a dry surface that increasingly favoured spin as the evening progressed.

Earlier, the match had seemed to tilt firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour. After opting to field, the hosts struck regularly to reduce New Zealand to a precarious 84 for 6. The crowd sensed an opportunity as wickets fell and the visitors struggled to build momentum through the middle overs. However, what followed proved to be the turning point of the contest.

Captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie staged a remarkable counterattack, stitching together a record 84-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Their stand not only rescued New Zealand from collapse but also completely shifted the momentum. Santner, leading from the front, played with authority and composure, while McConchie provided crucial support with timely boundaries and sharp running between the wickets.

The late assault was particularly telling. New Zealand plundered 70 runs in the final four overs, transforming what looked like a below-par total into a formidable 168 for 7. That late surge proved decisive, especially on a pitch where batting became increasingly challenging under lights.

Sri Lanka’s reply began in disastrous fashion. Matt Henry struck with the very first ball of the innings, sending Pathum Nissanka back for a golden duck with a seaming delivery that breached his defence. The early breakthrough set the tone for a relentless New Zealand bowling performance.

Charith Asalanka attempted to steady the innings briefly, but Henry returned to remove him, forcing a miscued stroke to midwicket. With pressure mounting, Sri Lanka found themselves crawling through the powerplay, managing just 20 for 2 — their second-lowest powerplay score in T20 internationals.

The introduction of Ravindra deepened the crisis. Mixing flight, drift and subtle variations in pace, he struck in quick succession to have Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake stumped, exposing Sri Lanka’s vulnerability against spin. Captain Dasun Shanaka followed soon after, edging Ravindra to backward point, while Dushan Hemantha fell cheaply as the asking rate spiralled out of reach.

New Zealand’s spinners dominated proceedings, delivering 17 of the 20 overs and exploiting the dry conditions expertly. Santner and Ravindra applied constant pressure, while the fielding unit backed them up with sharp work, ensuring Sri Lanka never found any sustained momentum.

Kamindu Mendis offered brief resistance with an inventive knock, mixing reverse sweeps with clever placement in his 23-ball 21. He added some urgency alongside Dunith Wellalage, raising hopes of a late rally. However, Santner ended Kamindu’s stay by inducing a mis-hit to cow corner, effectively sealing the contest at 77 for 7.

Wellalage continued to entertain with a few lusty blows, including a towering six, finishing with a spirited 29 off 23 balls. But his efforts were only a consolation, as Glenn Phillips dismissed him in the final over to complete a comprehensive New Zealand victory. Sri Lanka eventually limped to 107 for 8, well short of the target.

The win gave New Zealand a significant boost to their net run rate, strengthening their position in the race for the semi-finals. For Pakistan, the result complicates an already difficult qualification scenario, even if they manage victories in their remaining fixtures.

For Sri Lanka, the early exit has triggered familiar emotions among fans — disappointment mixed with nostalgia. As the defeat sank in, conversations in the stands and beyond drifted back to an era when Sri Lankan cricket carried a different aura. Supporters reminisced about the fearless leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, the explosive batting of Sanath Jayasuriya, the elegance of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and the match-winning brilliance of Muttiah Muralitharan.

While frustration runs deep, hope remains that Sri Lankan cricket can rediscover its spark. Until then, the echoes of past glories continue to loom large over the present.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand 168/7 in 20 overs (Mitchell Santner 47, Rachin Ravindra 32; Maheesh Theekshana 3-30, Dushmantha Chameera 3-38) beat Sri Lanka 107/8 in 20 overs (Kamindu Mendis 31, Dunith Wellalage 29; Rachin Ravindra 4-27, Matt Henry 2-3) by 61 runs.