New Zealand sends Sri Lanka home in Super Eight clash

COLOMBO:  In the sixth match of the Super Eight stage, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs, eliminating the host team from the tournament.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 168 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted overs. Captain Mitchell Santner top-scored with 47 runs, while Colin McConchie remained unbeaten on 31. Other contributors included Rachin Ravindra (32), Finn Allen (23), Glenn Phillips (18), Tim Seifert (8), Daryl Mitchell (3), and Mark Chapman (0).

From Sri Lanka’s bowling side, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera took three wickets each, while Dunith Wellalage claimed one.

Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could manage only 107 for eight in their allotted overs, handing the Kiwis a 61-run victory. Dunith Wellalage was the top scorer with 29 runs, followed by Komandoo Mendis with 31. Other individual scores were: Kusal Mendis 11, Pon Ratanayake 10, Charith Asalanka 5, captain Dasun Shanaka 3, Dushan Himanta 3, and Pathum Nissanka 0. Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana remained not out with one run each.

For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra took four wickets and Matt Henry two, while Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips picked one wicket each.