New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday, eliminating the hosts from the tournament and further reducing Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka were restricted to 107 for 8 in their 20 overs in the Group 1 contest at R. Premadasa Stadium.

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to field, Sri Lanka made early inroads but could not prevent New Zealand from posting 168 for 7.

The Kiwis began briskly before Sri Lanka struck back in the middle overs, reducing them to 86 for 6. Rachin Ravindra top-scored with 32, while Finn Allen made 23 and Glenn Phillips added 18. Tim Seifert (8), Daryl Mitchell (3) and Mark Chapman (0) failed to capitalise.

A decisive seventh-wicket stand between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie changed the course of the innings. The pair added 84 runs off 48 balls, lifting New Zealand to a competitive total. Santner scored 47, while McConchie remained unbeaten on 31.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera took three wickets each, while Dunith Wellalage claimed one.

In reply, Sri Lanka never recovered from early setbacks and lost wickets at regular intervals. They finished well short of the target, exiting the tournament with the defeat.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka had made one change to the side, bringing in Charith Asalanka in place of Kamil Mishara.

The result significantly strengthens New Zealand’s push for a semi-final berth, while Sri Lanka bow out of the mega event and Pakistan’s qualification scenario becomes more difficult.