Sri Lanka registered a famous victory over defending champions New Zealand to record their first win of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday (16th June). The triumph was also a historic one as it marked the first time Sri Lanka had beaten New Zealand in a Women’s World Cup match.
Having won the toss, New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr opted to bat first. The White Ferns posted a competitive total of 150 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to valuable contributions from Kerr and veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine, who both scored 45 runs.
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Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the New Zealand batting line-up in check, with off-spinner Kaveesha Dilhari emerging as the pick of the bowlers. She claimed two wickets for 35 runs in her four overs and played a key role in restricting the defending champions.
In reply, Sri Lanka made a promising start through their opening pair of captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne. The duo added 45 runs in just 5.5 overs to put the chase firmly on track.
However, the innings took a dramatic turn as Sri Lanka lost four quick wickets for just 10 runs, slipping to 55 for 4 at the end of the ninth over and handing the momentum back to New Zealand.
With the game hanging in the balance, Nilakshika Silva and Kaveesha Dilhari produced a crucial rescue act. The pair stitched together a valuable 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket to revive Sri Lanka’s hopes.
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After Dilhari’s departure, Silva found another dependable partner in wicketkeeper-batter Kaushani Nuthyangana. The duo added an unbeaten 48 runs for the sixth wicket, guiding Sri Lanka over the line and sealing a memorable victory.
Nilakshika was the chief architect of the chase, producing a composed and match-winning unbeaten 54 off just 37 deliveries, an innings that included five boundaries and a six.
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