SOUTHAMPTON: Sri Lanka sealed a narrow win over the defending champions New Zealand in the seventh fixture of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026 at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka chased down a stiff 151 in 19.4 overs, losing five wickets in the process. The victory marked the first time Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
After a 45-run opening partnership, the Islanders lost their way in the middle as they slumped to 55-4 in 8.3 overs.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu looked good for her 27 from 19, including a six four fours, before being cleaned up by Bree Illing. Nensi Patel also picked up two wickets, followed by two chaotic run outs that put them in dire straits.
However, Nilakshika Silva held the innings together with a match-winning half-century. She first shared a 54-run stand with Kavisha Dilhari, who made 17, and followed it up by adding an unbeaten 48-run partnership with Kaushini Nuthyangana (24*) for the sixth wicket.
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She remained the top-scorer with 54 off 37, hitting five fours and a six.
For New Zealand, Nensi Patel picked up two wickets.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, New Zealand posted 150-6 in 20 overs. The Whiteferns had a shaky start, losing their opener, Isabella Gaze, in the first over for four.
Georgia Plimmer and skipper Melie Kerr worked past the early blow, adding 49 for the second wicket. Plimmer scored 18 off 22 with the aid of two fours before throwing her wicket away cheaply in the ninth over.
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With New Zealand 53-2, Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine stabilized the innings, both scoring 45 runs respectively. The duo shared a 43-run stand off 26 balls for the third wicket partnership to take their side near the 100-run mark.
The stand culminated in the form of Kerr’s wicket, but Devine continued till the 18th over, ensuring that her side reached a respectable total. Devine hit four boundaries and a maximum in her knock while Melie Kerr struck five fours.
For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari remained the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets in her quota of four overs while giving away 35.
