A sublime fifty by Nilakshika Silva helped Sri Lanka Women defeat defending champions New Zealand by 5 wickets in the seventh game of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Southampton.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's hopes of defending their Women's T20 World Cup title are on the brink after the shock defeat.

Both teams were in need of victory after losing their opening matches, and it was Sri Lanka who held their nerve as they reached their target of 151 with two balls to spare.

New Zealand's fielding cost them once again. After a flurry of drops against West Indies in their opening defeat, they put down another three chances including Bree Illing's crucial drop of match-winner Nilakshi de Silva on one.

Fast bowler Illing inexplicably spilled a simple chance at short fine leg off Melie Kerr's bowling and De Silva punished her for it, finishing unbeaten on 54 from 37 balls.

After Sri Lanka's top order stuttered to 55-4, De Silva added a crucial partnership of 50 with Kaveesha Dilhari before the latter was run out with 46 off 30 balls still required.

Considering Sri Lanka's lack of batting depth, the equation made New Zealand favourites but De Silva found valuable support in Kaushani Nuthyangana, who made 24 not out to get them over the line.

The White Ferns were woeful in the field and too cautious with the bat, scraping to 38-1 from the powerplay before captain Kerr and Sophie Devine dragged them to 150-6 with 45 each.

After successive final-over defeats, they are now facing a group-stage exit despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites to join England in the group's top two, while Sri Lanka have kept themselves in contention after their heavy opening defeat by the hosts.