Wed Feb 25 14:40:00 UTC 2026: # Sri Lanka Restricts New Zealand to Under 100 in T20 World Cup Super-8 Clash

The Story

In the ongoing T20 World Cup Super-8 match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends as they restricted New Zealand to 98 runs for 6 wickets in 16 overs. New Zealand’s innings struggled to gain momentum, with key batsmen falling cheaply against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie are currently at the crease.

Key Points

  • Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl.
  • New Zealand scored 98/6 in 16 overs.
  • Dushmantha Chameera took 2 wickets, dismissing Glenn Phillips (18 runs) and Tim Seifert (8 runs).
  • Maheesh Theekshana claimed 3 wickets, including Rachin Ravindra (32 runs).
  • Dunith Wellalage bowled Daryl Mitchell (3 runs).
  • Tim Seifert scored 8 runs before being dismissed twice (once noted in error).
  • Finn Allen scored 23 runs before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana.

Key Takeaways

  • Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first proved effective, putting New Zealand under immediate pressure.
  • New Zealand’s batting lineup struggled against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack, failing to build substantial partnerships.
  • Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera were the key bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking crucial wickets.
  • New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge of facing Sri Lanka’s spinners before the match.
  • Sri Lanka needs to capitalize on its bowling performance with a strong batting display to secure a victory.

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