Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium witnessed a captain’s knock that will be remembered for years. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner joined an exclusive T20I all-rounders’ list by reaching 1,000 runs and 100 wickets, becoming only the sixth from full ICC members and the pioneer for his nation.
The match unfolded dramatically. Sent in to bat, New Zealand lost Finn Allen to a quickfire 23 (4 boundaries off 13 balls) and Tim Seifert for 8, teetering at 34 for 2. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips (18) added 41 runs, but a collapse saw six wickets down at 84.
Santner took charge, blasting 47 runs from 26 deliveries with ruthless power-hitting: four maximums and a couple of fours. His 84-run stand with Cole McConchie (31 off 23, 5 boundaries) in 47 balls lifted the total to 168/7, setting a challenging target.
This feat places Santner alongside legends like Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, and Shadab Khan. For New Zealand, it’s a testament to Santner’s leadership under pressure. Sri Lanka’s attack was led by Theekshana and Chameera (3/3 each), with Wellalage grabbing one.
As T20 World Cup 2026 heats up, Santner’s double underscores his indispensable role, blending batting flair with bowling guile in the shortest format.