Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
New Zealand have strengthened their chances of securing a semi-final berth at the T20 World Cup 2026 after knocking Sri Lanka out of the competition. On Wednesday, February 25, Mitchell Santner’s men delivered a dominant performance to beat the co-hosts by 61 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The Black Caps’ victory has left Pakistan in deep trouble heading into their final league match against Sri Lanka. To qualify, Pakistan must not only defeat Sri Lanka but also hope England beat New Zealand in their last Super 8 fixture. Even then, their progression will not be guaranteed, as net run rate could determine which of the two sides advances to the semi-finals with England already in the top four.
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New Zealand had a few nervy moments during the contest against Sri Lanka, but Cole McConchie and Mitchell Santner steadied the innings before the spinners seized control. Rachin Ravindra then produced a superb spell, troubling the Sri Lankan batters with his guile and variations to keep the Black Caps firmly on top.
For Sri Lanka, it marked the fifth successive T20 World Cup in which they have failed to reach the semi-finals since lifting the title in 2014.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
