In a tournament where small margins have defined survival, Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana provided a moment of individual brilliance to redeem himself after a costly early lapse during T20 World Cup 2026 match against New Zealand. During the critical Super 8 encounter against New Zealand on February 25, 2026, Theekshana turned the tide of the match by executing a spectacular return catch to dismiss the dangerous Finn Allen.

Just an over earlier, the mystery spinner had dropped a ‘sitter’ of Tim Siefert at short third man off Dilshan Madushanka‘s bowling, a mistake that left the bowler livid and threatened to haunt Sri Lanka in a must-win game. However, his quick-thinking athleticism soon after not only energized the Sri Lankan camp but allowed him to personally correct the momentum before Allen could take the game away.

Maheesh Theekshana’s redemption: A stunning return catch to remove Finn Allen

The dismissal occurred in the fourth over of the New Zealand innings, shortly after Tim Seifert had been given a life due to Theekshana’s spilled chance. Facing the 3.1 delivery, Finn Allen went deep inside his crease to stay leg-side of a carrom ball, attempting to work it away but instead chipping it tamely back toward the bowler.

Showing remarkable reflexes in his follow-through, Theekshana reacted instantly as the ball stayed low to his left. He threw himself toward the turf and claimed the catch with both hands just inches above the ground. Upon completing the catch, he threw the ball toward the umpire and hit the turf, a clear sign of both relief and lingering frustration over his previous fielding error.

Here’s the video: 

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Dushmantha Chameera and Theekshana stun New Zealand early in Colombo

The Super 8 showdown at the R. Premadasa Stadium has reached a fever pitch as Sri Lanka’s bowling unit produced an inspired opening burst to leave New Zealand reeling at 75/3 after 10 overs. After Dasun Shanaka won a crucial toss and opted to bowl, Theekshana provided the first breakthrough by removing a dangerous-looking Allen for 23, pouching a sharp caught-and-bowled to atone for an earlier dropped chance.

The momentum swung further in the hosts’ favor when Dushmantha Chameera entered the attack, striking twice in quick succession to dismiss Tim Seifert for 8 and the explosive Glenn Phillips for 18, the latter being beaten for pace as his stumps were rattled. Currently, Rachin Ravindra is fighting a lone battle with a composed 26, attempting to anchor the innings alongside Daryl Mitchell as they navigate a surface that is already showing signs of significant turn and variable bounce.

The Colombo crowd is in full voice as the Sri Lankan spinners, led by Theekshana, have effectively dried up the boundaries, forcing the Kiwis into a cautious rebuilding phase. With the projected score dipping below 160, New Zealand desperately needs a substantial partnership in the back half of the innings to remain competitive in what has effectively become a knockout match for the Black Caps.

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