Maheesh Theekshana’s Stunning Catch Eliminates Finn Allen in T20 World Cup 2026

Bassyonni

Published: February 25, 2026 10:46 AM ET

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana showcased his exceptional skill during the T20 World Cup 2026 match against New Zealand on February 25, 2026. This key Super 8 encounter at R. Premadasa Stadium emphasized the stakes, as small margins were pivotal for both teams.

Maheesh Theekshana’s Stunning Catch

Theekshana redeemed himself from a previous blunder by executing a stunning return catch to dismiss Finn Allen. Just an over prior, he had dropped an easy catch from Tim Seifert, which could have significantly altered the match’s momentum.

The pivotal catch occurred in the fourth over. Finn Allen was at the crease, looking to capitalize on the bowling. Trying to maneuver a delivery from Theekshana, he inadvertently chipped the ball back towards the bowler. In a remarkable display of reflexes, Theekshana dived low to his left, securing the catch just inches above the ground. His immediate reaction—a toss of the ball to the umpire and a thud against the turf—reflected both relief and residual frustration from his earlier mistake.

Impact on the Match

Theekshana’s performance helped turn the tide for Sri Lanka during the critical stages of the game. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, including Dushmantha Chameera, put New Zealand on the back foot. The Kiwis struggled at 75 runs for 3 wickets within the first 10 overs.

Top Performers:
- Maheesh Theekshana: Dismissed Finn Allen and corrected an earlier error.
- Dushmantha Chameera: Claimed two quick wickets, including Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips.
Current Standings:
- Rachin Ravindra: Leading the New Zealand innings with 26 runs.
- Daryl Mitchell: Attempting to stabilize the innings alongside Ravindra.

The Sri Lankan bowling attack, led by Theekshana, effectively reduced New Zealand’s scoring opportunities. As the team aimed for a total below 160, a strong partnership became critical for New Zealand to remain competitive in this decisive encounter.

The atmosphere at the R. Premadasa Stadium buzzed with excitement, highlighting the competitive spirit of the T20 World Cup 2026.