Sri Lanka Women secured a convincing five‑wicket victory over New Zealand Women in Match 7 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Rose Bowl. After chasing a target of 151, an unbeaten half‑century from Player of the Match Nilakshi de Silva anchored the innings, guiding Sri Lanka to 153/5 in 19.4 overs and overcoming a strong New Zealand total bolstered by valuable contributions from Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr.
Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr Set the Platform for New Zealand
After winning the toss and electing to bat, New Zealand Women began decisively before losing Isabella Gaze for just four. Georgia Plimmer added 18 runs, but it was the experienced partnership of Amelia Kerr and captain Devine that steadied the innings and accelerated the scoring rate. Kerr produced an elegant 45 off 36 deliveries, striking five boundaries, while Devine matched that score with a fluent 45 from only 30 balls, including four fours and a six. Their alliance ensured New Zealand posted a competitive total despite regular breakthroughs.
Late contributions from Georgia Plimmer who added 18 off 13 balls and Jess Kerr helped New Zealand finish on 150/6 after 20 overs. For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari was the most prolific bowler with figures of 2/35, while Mithali Ayodhya, Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu and Nimasha Madushani Meepage each took a wicket.
Nilakshi de Silva Leads the Chase After an Aggressive Start
Sri Lanka approached the chase positively, with skipper Athapaththu setting the tone through a lively 27 off 19 deliveries. Vishmi Rajapaksha Gunaratne also struck three boundaries during her 17‑run knock before New Zealand clawed back through Nancy Patel, who removed two key batters and finished with impressive figures of 2/23. Despite a few setbacks in the middle overs, Nilakshi held the innings together with a superb unbeaten 54 from 37 balls. Mixing controlled stroke play with timely aggression, she found crucial support from Dilhari and later Kaushani Nuthyangana, whose quickfire 24 off 14 deliveries shifted the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour. With the target in sight, Nilakshi calmly guided her side home, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the finish line with two balls to spare and five wickets in hand.
New Zealand’s bowling attack struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s measured chase despite Patel’s two‑wicket spell and Bree Illing’s lone breakthrough. Rosemary Mair and Amelia Kerr bowled economically but could not deliver the decisive wicket that might have turned the contest. Nilakshi’s match‑winning half‑century earned her the Player of the Match award and capped an impressive all‑round display from Sri Lanka, who chased down a challenging target under pressure.
Nilakshika Silva’s brilliant fifty guides Sri Lanka to a memorable victory over the defending champions #ENGvIRE #T20WorldCup #NilakshikaSilva pic.twitter.com/9jxprBTcta
