Coming out to chase a target of 169 runs, Sri Lanka were struck down with two wickets in the first over, losing Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball of the second innings, as the batter went back on a duck with Matt Henry bowling a jaffer of a delivery. Henry, in the first over, picked another wicket, dismissing Charith Asalanka.
Matt Henry picked the crucial wicket of inform Nissanka; however, the latter failed to go past the double-figure mark in the second consecutive match. Pathum Nissanka scored a 100 and fifty in the last two group stage games against Australia and Zimbabwe.
Pathum Nissanka’s string of low scores continues
Pathum Nissanka has now scored a 0 and a 9 in the last two games. Nissanka has been the highest run scorer for the side with 208 runs. However, Pathum Nissanka’s form in the Super 8 will be a concern for the Island nation, as if they lose today, they will be knocked out of the competition.
Here’s the video
What a ball by #MattHenry to dismiss #Nissanka on a golden duck . NZ are to a flying start by taking the wicket of main batters of SL on the very first ball
Henry storm 🔥#henry #nzvssl #nissanka #kiwis #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/3rUWcpk5a1— CSD 06 (@CSD11198) February 25, 2026
Coming to the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. The Kiwi openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave a blistering start to the side, with 30 off the first three overs. The latter was the aggressor among the two scored 23 off 13 balls.
New Zealand gains confidence after a collapse
However, Allen was picked up by Maheesh Theekshana, who dropped a catch of Seifert before bowling his over. Seifert went back in the span of three runs, Dushmantha Chameera picking up the wicket. The speedster also picked Glenn Phillips with an excellent delivery.
Rachin Ravindra scored 32 off 22 balls, went back playing a loose shot against Theekshana as the Kiwis were down to 84/4. In the same over, Theekshana picked his third wicket, dismissing Mark Chapman for a duck. They struggled with three wickets falling in the span of zero runs. From 84/3 to 84/6 at one stage.
Cole McConchie and skipper Mitchell Santner turned on the switch, as both batters, after getting settled in, scored at a good pace, and scored 78 runs off the last five overs. The two batters stitched a partnership of 84 off 51 balls.
The former scored 31 off 23 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, with the skipper scoring 47 off 26 balls, smashing one four and four sixes. They posted a target of 168/7. Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers, finishing 30/3.
Sri Lanka’s batting collapses yet again
Thus, making something for the bowlers to defend on a tricky surface. Currently, Sri Lanka is struggling at 49/5 after 11.2 overs with both openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, back in the pavilion. The latter, scoring 11 off 22, so far, has been the highest scorer for the side.
Sri Lanka’s batting collapse in the Super 8 has been visible, as they have struggled to play spin at their home ground. They were bowled out for 95 runs while chasing 146 in their first Super 8 game against England.
