Sri Lanka kept their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 hopes alive with a thrilling five-wicket victory over defending champions New Zealand at The Rose Bowl.
Chasing 151, Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings with an unbeaten 54 and shared a crucial 48-run partnership with Kaushani Nuthyangana to seal victory with one ball remaining. Earlier, New Zealand posted 150/6, with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr scoring 45 each. Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, led by Kavisha Dilhari, who claimed 2/35.
The win gives Sri Lanka their first victory of the tournament while leaving New Zealand’s title defence hanging by a thread.