New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs in their Twenty20 World Cup Super Eight match on Wednesday, a loss that knocked the co hosts out of the tournament.
Sri Lanka could not handle the chase of 169 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Their top order fell early and the innings never settled. They lost wickets at regular gaps and could not build any strong stand. Sri Lanka closed on 107 for 8 and suffered their second defeat in the Super Eight stage.
Rachin Ravindra led the New Zealand attack with four wickets for 27 runs. Matt Henry gave strong support and took two for three. The bowlers kept tight control and did not allow Sri Lanka to get close.
Earlier, New Zealand also had a tough start after Sri Lanka sent them in to bat. They slipped to 84 for 5 and were under heavy pressure. Captain Mitchell Santner then played a brave knock of 47 from 26 balls. His quick runs helped New Zealand reach 168 for 7, which later proved enough for a big win.
