Southampton, June 16: Sri Lanka achieved a remarkable victory against New Zealand by five wickets in the seventh match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, held at The Rose Bowl on Tuesday. This win marks Sri Lanka’s first in Group B, while New Zealand faces its second consecutive defeat.
Winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first, scoring 150 runs while losing six wickets. The team suffered an early setback, losing Isabel Gaze for just 4 runs. Captain Amelia Kerr then stabilized the innings, partnering with Georgia Plimmer to add 49 runs for the second wicket off 46 balls.
Plimmer scored 18 runs off 22 balls before being dismissed. Kerr continued to build momentum, adding 43 runs with Sophie Devine for the third wicket in just 26 balls. Kerr finished her innings with 45 runs off 36 balls, including five boundaries.
Sophie Devine took charge, scoring 45 runs off 30 balls with five boundaries, while Maddy Green remained unbeaten with 18 runs. From the Sri Lankan side, Kashvi Dilhari took two wickets, while Mithali Ayodhya, Sugandhika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu, and Nimasha Meepage each claimed one wicket.
In response, the Sri Lankan team chased down the target in 19.4 overs. Captain Chamari Athapaththu formed a crucial partnership of 45 runs with Vishmi Gunaratne, scoring 27 runs off 19 balls, including one six and four fours.
Sri Lanka faced challenges as they lost wickets at regular intervals, finding themselves at 55 for four in just 8.3 overs. However, Kashvi Dilhari partnered with Nilakshika Silva to add 49 runs in 39 balls, stabilizing the innings.
Kashvi contributed 17 runs before returning to the pavilion. Nilakshika then teamed up with Kaushani Nuthyangana, forming an unbeaten partnership of 48 runs off 28 balls, leading the team to a thrilling victory. For New Zealand, Nancy Patel took two wickets for 23 runs, while Bree Illing claimed one wicket.
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