In the high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, New Zealand defied early setbacks to end up at 168/7, handing Sri Lanka a daunting 169-run victory target against them.
Sent in after losing the toss, New Zealand’s innings kicked off promisingly. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert raced to 30/0 in the powerplay before Allen’s fiery 23 (13) – including a six and three boundaries – was cut short. Seifert managed just 8 as wickets tumbled.
A brief recovery came via Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra’s 41-run alliance, but Phillips’ 18 couldn’t prevent the slide. Ravindra’s dynamic 32 (22) with a six and three fours fell in the 12th over, followed by Chapman (0) and Mitchell (3).
The turning point arrived with skipper Mitchell Santner’s explosive counterattack alongside Cole McConchie. Their 84-run stand in 47 balls rescued the innings. Santner bludgeoned 47 off 26 (4×6, 2×4), and McConchie’s unbeaten 31 (23, 5 boundaries) sealed a fighting total.
Theekshana and Chameera were standout bowlers for the hosts, each snaring three scalps, with Wellalage grabbing one. Kiwis XI: Allen, Seifert (wk), Ravindra, Phillips, Chapman, Mitchell, McConchie, Henry, Sodhi, Ferguson; captained by Santner.
Shanaka’s Sri Lankans: Nissanka, Mendis (wk), Asalanka, Rathnayake, K. Mendis, Wellalage, Hemantha, Chameera, Theekshana, Madushanka.
As Sri Lanka begins their pursuit under lights, New Zealand’s lower-order resilience has swung momentum their way in this crucial group encounter.