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Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana had a moment of brilliance in the field against New Zealand in the Super 8 match in Colombo. Sri Lanka won the toss and put New Zealand into bat first. The Kiwis started
off really well scoring 23 runs in two overs and the openers were going all guns blazing. The third over of the innings was bowled by left arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka. In the third ball of the over, Tim Siefert tried to drive the ball and a thick outside edge flew to Theekshana at short third man. Theekshana dived to his left and got both hands but the ball popped out and the batter got a reprieve. It was a tough chance. Immediately the next ball Finn Allen smashed a four as New Zealand went to 30/0 in three overs.
Maheesh Theekshana came into the attack in the fourth over and picked up a wicket in the first ball of his over. Finn Allen tried to punch the ball towards mid-on but it was the carrom ball and it took the outer half of the bat and went straight back to Theekshana where the spinner was alert and took a stunning catch. Watch the video here.
ππ«π’π₯π₯ππ, πππ ππ, & πππππππ! 𧀠Maheesh Theekshana holds on & sends the dangerous Finn Allen back! ICC Menβs #T20WorldCup | SUPER 8, #SLvNZ β‘οΈ LIVE NOW π https://t.co/g4wqt4U8vL pic.twitter.com/AaJwzT38Oy
β Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 25, 2026
It was a roller coaster for Theekshana and although it was the different batter, Theekshana made up for the earlier mistake by plucking a stunner of his own bowling. Tim Siefert got out soon after as both the openers departed for New Zealand. The match is right in the balance and both the teams are fighting hard.
This is a crucial game for both Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the context of this WT20. New Zealand had their opening match abandoned due to rain while Sri Lanka suffered a defeat to England in the previous match. A loss here for Sri Lanka would eliminate them before the semi-finals.
