Sri Lanka pulled off a major upset in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating defending champions New Zealand by five wickets in Southampton. The victory kept Sri Lanka's semi-final hopes alive while putting New Zealand under pressure in Group 2.
After opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka produced a disciplined performance to restrict New Zealand to a below-par total. The White Ferns struggled to build momentum as Sri Lanka's bowlers maintained tight lines and picked up wickets at regular intervals.
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka made a steady start but faced a few nervous moments when New Zealand fought back with crucial breakthroughs. However, the chase remained on track thanks to a composed innings from Nilakshika Silva, who anchored the batting effort under pressure.
Nilakshika Silva leads the way
Silva played the defining knock of the match, remaining unbeaten with a brilliant half-century. She rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries to keep Sri Lanka in control throughout the chase.
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With wickets falling at the other end, Silva stayed calm and guided her side towards the target. Her innings ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line with two balls to spare, sealing one of the biggest wins in the team's recent history.
New Zealand faces an uphill battle
The defeat is another setback for New Zealand, which entered the tournament as defending champions. Having already dropped valuable points earlier in the competition, the White Ferns now face a difficult path to the knockout stages.
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Sri Lanka make history as Nilakshika, Nuthyangana win a thriller against New Zealand pic.twitter.com/rElpAqZjd2
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) June 16, 2026
For Sri Lanka, the result could prove to be a turning point. After suffering a heavy loss to England in their opening match, they responded impressively against one of the tournament favourites.
The win not only boosts Sri Lanka's confidence but also makes the race for the semi-final spots even more competitive. With the group stage entering a crucial phase, Sri Lanka has thrown Group 2 wide open and shown they can challenge the world's best teams.
