NZ-W vs SL-W- 7Th Match, 16 June 2026- Sri Lanka Women Stun New Zealand Women with Five-Wicket Victory in Women's T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand Women Post 150/6

After being asked to bat, New Zealand Women got off to a poor start when Opener Isabella Gaze departed for just 4 runs in the very first over.

Georgia Plimmer and captain Melie Kerr rebuilt the innings, but Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling prevented New Zealand from accelerating early. Plimmer scored 18 before falling to Nimasha Meepage.

Captain Melie Kerr then played a composed knock of 45 runs from 36 balls, smashing five boundaries. Experience all-rounder Sophie Devine added crucial momentum with a powerful 45 off 30 balls, including four fours and a six.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Maddy Green remained unbeaten on 18 to help New Zealand finish at 150/6 in their 20 overs.

Top Performers – New Zealand Women
Melie Kerr – 45 (36)
Sophie Devine – 45 (30)
Maddy Green – 18* (13)
Best Bowlers – Sri Lanka Women
Kavisha Dilhari – 2/35
Mithali Ayodhya – 1/24
Nimasha Meepage – 1/26
Chamari Athapaththu – 1/21
Sugandika Kumari – 1/28
Sri Lanka's Chase Begins Strongly

Sri Lanka started positively through captain Chamari Athapaththu, who attacked from the outset. She smashed 27 runs from just 19 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and a six.

However, New Zealand fought back through Nensi Patel, who removed both Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. A run-out of Hasini Perera further reduced Sri Lanka to 55/4, putting the chase in danger.

When Kavisha Dilhari was run out for 17 at 105/5, New Zealand sensed an opportunity to win the match.

Nilakshika Silva and Kaushini Nuthyangana Seal the Win

With pressure mounting, Nilakshika Silva produced one of the finest innings of the tournament so far. Displaying excellent composure and timing, she anchored the chase brilliantly.

Silva scored an unbeaten 54 runs from 37 balls, hitting five fours and one six. She found excellent support from wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana, who played an aggressive finishing role with an unbeaten 24 from just 14 balls.

This duo added an unbroken match-winning partnership and guided Sri Lanka to 153/5 with two balls remaining.

Top Performers – Sri Lanka Women
Nilakshika Silva – 54* (37)
Chamari Athapaththu – 27 (19)
Kaushini Nuthyangana – 24* (14)
Best Bowlers – New Zealand Women
Nensi Patel – 2/23
Bree Illing – 1/33
Turning Point of the Match

At 55/4 in the ninth over, Sri Lanka appeared to be struggling. However, Nilakshika Silva steadied the innings before accelerating in the death overs. Her partnership with Kaushini Nuthyangana completely shifted the momentum and denied New Zealand any chance of a late comeback.

Player of the Match
Nilakshika Silva (Sri Lanka Women)

54 runs off 37 balls*

5 fours
1 six
Strike Rate: 145.94

Her calm and calculated innings guided Sri Lanka through a difficult phase and ensured a memorable victory.

Match Summary

New Zealand Women: 150/6 (20 Overs)

Melie Kerr 45
Sophie Devine 45
Kavisha Dilhari 2 wickets

Sri Lanka Women: 153/5 (19.4 Overs)

Nilakshika Silva 54*
Chamari Athapaththu 27
Kaushini Nuthyangana 24*
Nensi Patel 2 wickets

Result: Sri Lanka Women won by 5 wickets.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka Women delivered one of the standout performances of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, chasing down a challenging target against defending champion New Zealand side. The unbeaten partnership between Nilakshika Silva and Kaushini Nuthyangana highlighted Sri Lanka's resilience and maturity under pressure.

With this victory, Sri Lanka has announced itself as a serious contender in Group 2, while New Zealand will look to bounce back quickly in their upcoming fixtures.