Ravindra's all round show sinks Sri Lanka as New Zealand win big in T20IWC Super8

 

As the saying goes, “morning shows the day.” The teams that had stormed into the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup with commanding performances in the group phase, however, suddenly appear to have lost their spark. Hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team, who had sealed their Super Eight berth with a memorable win over Australia, faltered when it mattered most, suffering a crushing defeat to New Zealand national cricket team on Wednesday. With this loss, Dasun Shanaka’s side became the first team to be eliminated from the Super Eight stage. Consecutive batting debacles brought Sri Lanka’s World Cup aspirations to a premature and painful end.


Sri Lanka won the toss and fielded & started the match strongly getting dangerous looking Finn Allen (23) through Theekshana. Chameera bounced & got Siefert out . Ravindra (32) played some skillful shots with Phillips (18) partnering him but Chameera bowled Phillips and then the spinners led by Theekshana & Wellalage ripped through the middle order with Ravindra , Michell and Chapman going in quick succession leaving the tourists precariously placed at 84/6 with semis spot slipping away . 

The match seemed in Sri Lanka's favour before Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner dramatically altered its complexion. Primarily known for his crafty left-arm spin, Santner rose to the occasion with the bat during a crisis. His blistering 47 off just 26 deliveries injected life into the innings. He found solid support in Cole McConchie, who contributed a brisk 31 off 23 balls. Their crucial partnership propelled New Zealand to a competitive 168, a total that proved far beyond Sri Lanka’s reach. Theekshana & Wellalage both took 3 wickets each & Henry took 2 wickets . 

Sri Lanka’s chase began in disastrous fashion, with Pathum Nissanka bowled off the very first delivery — a moment that symbolised the chaos to follow. Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka failed to stabilise the innings, while captain Dasun Shanaka’s struggles with the bat continued. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with a modest 31, and only a late cameo from Dunith Wellalage offered some semblance of resistance, helping the team limp past the 100-run mark. Ultimately, New Zealand clinched a commanding 61-run victory, significantly strengthening their semifinal prospects.

The emphatic win has also complicated matters for Pakistan national cricket team. Pakistan currently sit third on the points table and must defeat Sri Lanka by a margin of 70 runs in their upcoming clash on Saturday to keep their hopes alive. Their qualification scenario also hinges on New Zealand’s result against England. If New Zealand lose and England win by 10 runs, Pakistan would need a 60-run victory to edge ahead on net run rate.

However, should New Zealand overcome England, Pakistan’s final match would be rendered a mere formality. Armed with all possible permutations and calculations, Pakistan will enter their clash against Sri Lanka knowing that their fate may ultimately lie beyond their own control.

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