Sri Lanka booked their place in the Tri-Oceans Series 2026 Final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth match at Queen's Park Oval. A sensational all-round display from Wanindu Hasaranga, highlighted by a stunning five-wicket haul and a quickfire unbeaten cameo, combined with a blistering innings from Dinesh Chandimal, helped Sri Lanka chase down 102 with 22 balls to spare.

Daryl Mitchell Fights Lone Battle for New Zealand

After being put in to bat, New Zealand lost opener Finn Allen early when Matheesha Pathirana struck in the opening over. Tim Seifert looked promising with 12 off 7 balls, but Pathirana removed him soon after to leave the Black Caps under pressure.

Devon Conway attempted to rebuild with a fluent 21 off 14 deliveries, but a sharp run out by Kusal Mendis ended his innings. Moments later, Mark Chapman was also run out, giving Sri Lanka complete control.

The lone bright spot for New Zealand came from Daryl Mitchell, who produced a breathtaking counterattack. He smashed 44 runs from just 13 balls, clearing the ropes seven times to briefly lift New Zealand's scoring rate. However, once Hasaranga dismissed Mitchell, the innings quickly unraveled.

Sri Lanka's bowlers wrapped up the remaining wickets with ruthless efficiency as New Zealand were bowled out for 101 in 8.5 overs.

Hasaranga Spins a Web Around New Zealand

The architect of New Zealand's collapse was once again Wanindu Hasaranga, who delivered another match-winning spell. The leg-spinner tore through the middle and lower order, finishing with magnificent figures of 5 wickets for 16 runs in just 1.5 overs.

Hasaranga removed Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Will O'Rourke, and Jacob Duffy, preventing New Zealand from building on Mitchell's explosive innings.

He was well supported by Matheesha Pathirana, who struck twice in the powerplay, while Eshan Malinga chipped in with the wicket of Michael Bracewell.

Chandimal Leads an Explosive Chase

Sri Lanka approached the chase with positive intent from the outset. Pathum Nissanka blasted 22 off only 7 balls, smashing three sixes before falling to Mark Chapman.

The momentum continued through Dinesh Chandimal, who produced one of the finest batting displays of the tournament. The experienced wicketkeeper hammered 44 runs from just 11 deliveries, including six sixes and two boundaries, scoring at an extraordinary strike rate of 400.00.

Although Will O'Rourke eventually dismissed Chandimal, the damage had already been done.

Kusal Mendis remained composed with an unbeaten 19 from 16 balls, while Wanindu Hasaranga completed his memorable outing by smashing 13 not out from only four deliveries, sealing victory in emphatic fashion as Sri Lanka reached 102/2 in only 6.2 overs.

Hasaranga Delivers Another Match-Winning Masterclass

Already one of the standout performers of the tournament, Wanindu Hasaranga once again showcased his immense value as an all-rounder. His devastating five-wicket spell dismantled New Zealand's batting lineup before his unbeaten late cameo ensured there were no hiccups during the chase.

His outstanding contributions with both bat and ball earned him another well-deserved Player of the Match award.

New Zealand's Campaign Comes to an End

Despite another brilliant innings from Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand were unable to overcome their batting inconsistencies. Frequent collapses throughout the tournament once again proved costly, while Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling attack capitalized on every opportunity.

The defeat officially ended New Zealand's hopes of reaching the final.

Player of the Match

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) was named Player of the Match after producing another exceptional all-round performance, claiming 5 wickets for 16 runs in 1.5 overs before finishing the chase with an unbeaten 13 off 4 balls.

Match Summary

The fifth match of the Tri-Oceans Series 2026 belonged entirely to Sri Lanka. Wanindu Hasaranga's sensational five-wicket haul dismantled New Zealand's batting lineup despite Daryl Mitchell's explosive 44. Sri Lanka then made light work of the chase thanks to a breathtaking assault from Dinesh Chandimal and the finishing touches provided by Kusal Mendis and Hasaranga. The convincing eight-wicket victory secured Sri Lanka's place in the Tri-Oceans Series Final, where they will meet the unbeaten West Indies in a highly anticipated championship clash.