Blackcaps Crush Sri Lanka to Stay on Course for Semis

Santner’s late blitz and Henry’s early strike headline 61-run victory in Colombo

COLOMBO: New Zealand produced a clinical all-round display to overpower Sri Lanka by 61 runs in their Super Eights fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.Setting a target of 169, the Blackcaps backed up their batting effort with disciplined bowling to bowl out the co-hosts’ momentum, limiting them to 107-8 in 20 overs.The contest swung decisively on the very first ball of Sri Lanka’s chase when Matt Henry rattled Pathum Nissanka’s stumps.

The early blow exposed the middle order, and despite brief resistance, the hosts struggled to build partnerships under mounting pressure.Earlier, New Zealand compiled 168-7 after opting to bat. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen laid a composed foundation, adding 30 runs in the powerplay with positive stroke play.The real surge, however, came in the closing overs. Mitchell Santner turned aggressor, smashing 47 off 26 deliveries, including four sixes, to lift the scoring rate at a crucial stage. He found solid support in Cole McConchie, who chipped in with 31 off 23 balls. Their late acceleration ensured New Zealand crossed the 150 mark comfortably and posted a challenging total.The result reshuffled the Super Eights Group 2 equation.

England have already secured a semifinal berth, while Sri Lanka’s defeat brings their campaign to an end.New Zealand now sit second with three points and a commanding net run-rate of 3.050. Pakistan remain in contention with one point from two matches but face a tough route ahead.To qualify, Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights outing and hope England overcome New Zealand. Net run-rate could prove decisive — a narrow New Zealand loss would require Pakistan to secure a substantial winning margin to stay in the race for the semifinals.