New Zealand took a big step towards securing a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals today, as they defeated co-hosts Sri Lanka by 61 runs.
Rachin Ravindra won the man of the match award for his impressive all-round performance.
New Zealand posted 168 runs after being put in to bat first at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera created problems for the visitors’ top order.
The duo picked up six wickets between them, leaving the Black Caps reeling at 84-6 in the 13th over.
However, late heroics from captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie powered them to a competitive total.
Santner hit a quickfire 47 with the help of four sixes and two boundaries, while McConchie contributed 31 from 23 balls.
Sri Lanka made a disastrous start to the chase, with Matt Henry dismissing their Pathum Nissanka for a duck with his first delivery.
Wickets kept tumbling after that, as New Zealand took firm control of the contest.
Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka and Dushan Hemantha were all removed by Rachin Ravindra, who conceded just 27 runs in his four overs.
Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage played relatively better than their teammates, but the duo couldn’t save the Lions from a heavy defeat.
New Zealand will secure a semi-final berth if they beat England on Friday.
However, a victory for England will also keep Pakistan in the hunt, though the latter will need to overcome a fairly significant net run rate (NRR) handicap.
