Home / Sports / Sri Lanka Stuns NZ in T20 World Cup Thriller
Sri Lanka Stuns NZ in T20 World Cup Thriller
16 Jun
Summary
- Nilakshika Silva's unbeaten 54 guided Sri Lanka to victory.
- Sri Lanka chased down New Zealand's 150/6 target.
- Kavisha Dilhari was crucial with bat and ball, taking 2 wickets.
Sri Lanka secured a dramatic five-wicket victory against defending champions New Zealand in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, thanks to Nilakshika Silva's composed unbeaten half-century. This significant win marks Sri Lanka's first in the tournament.
Chasing a target of 151, Sri Lanka reached the score with just one ball remaining. Silva anchored the innings with 54 not out, supported by Kaushani Nuthyangana's 24, including an unbroken 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 150/6 after electing to bat. Captain Amelia Kerr top-scored with 45, and Sophie Devine also contributed 45. Sri Lanka's bowlers applied consistent pressure, with Kavisha Dilhari taking 2 for 35.
Dilhari was instrumental, contributing 17 runs and playing a key role in stabilizing the chase after Sri Lanka's middle-order collapse. Her partnership with Silva proved decisive in guiding the team to a memorable win.
