How did Match 7 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 go between New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women

Sri Lanka Women pulled off a historic five-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on June 16. Batting first, New Zealand Women posted 150/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr leading the way with 45 runs each. For Sri Lanka Women, Kavisha Dilhari was the standout bowler, claiming figures of 2/35.

In response, New Zealand's bowlers struck early to put Sri Lanka under pressure by removing the top-order batters.

However, Nilakshika Silva held her nerve with an unbeaten half-century and stitched together crucial partnerships in the latter stages of the innings to guide her side to a memorable victory. For New Zealand Women, Nensi Patel was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/23.

Top batting performance of the match - Nilakshika Silva

Nilakshika Silva emerged as the standout batting performer of the match, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 37 deliveries.

Her match-winning knock included five fours and a six and came at an impressive strike rate of 145.95. Silva played a crucial role in Sri Lanka Women's successful chase, forging a vital 49-run partnership with Kavisha Dilhari before adding another 48 runs alongside Kaushani Nuthyangana. Their contributions ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line and secured a memorable victory.

Top bowling performance of the match - Nensi Patel

Nensi Patel was the standout bowler of the match, finishing with impressive figures of 2/23 from her four overs.

The New Zealand spinner made early inroads into Sri Lanka's batting lineup by dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama during her spell. Despite her economical and impactful performance, Patel's efforts were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka Women from completing a successful chase.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• The match aggregate of 303 runs is the highest in Women's T20I history involving Sri Lanka Women and New Zealand Women.
• The partnership between Nilakshika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari was a record-breaking effort for Sri Lanka Women, becoming their first 50-plus stand for the fifth wicket or lower in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup.

Who won the Player of the Match? Nilakshika de Silva (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Nilakshika Silva was deservedly named Player of the Match for her outstanding unbeaten half-century, which guided Sri Lanka Women to a historic victory over New Zealand Women.

Her match-winning knock of 54 not out off 37 balls anchored the chase and helped Sri Lanka register their first-ever win against New Zealand in a Women's T20 World Cup.

What is the next match?

Sri Lanka Women will take on West Indies Women on June 21 at County Ground, Bristol and New Zealand Women will take on Ireland Women on June 19 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.