Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign ended in the Super Eight stage after a 61-run defeat to New Zealand at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. Despite starting the tournament with three consecutive wins at home, the hosts suffered their third straight loss, becoming the first team to exit the Super Eight. New Zealand, batting first, scored 168 for seven, led by a 47-ball 84-run partnership between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 107 in reply.

Mahish Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera each took three wickets for Sri Lanka, while Rachin Ravindra claimed four for 27 for New Zealand and was named player of the match. Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) offered brief resistance for the hosts but could not prevent a heavy defeat.

With three points from two matches, New Zealand strengthened their position in the semifinal race, while Sri Lanka’s elimination also made Pakistan’s qualification path more difficult.