Colombo, Feb 25 (UNI) Captain Mitchell Santner’s late blitz and Cole McConchie’s calm finishing knock powered New Zealand to a competitive total before Sri Lanka’s spin attack fought back in the Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium here.
Led by Santner and finishing partner McConchie, New Zealand posted 168 for 7 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka national cricket team, after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl in the crucial Group 2 encounter at R Premadasa Stadium.
New Zealand’s innings was a tale of two halves. The top order provided a brisk start, with Finn Allen striking 23 off 13 balls with three fours and a six, while Rachin Ravindra added 32 off 22 balls, including a 98-metre straight six that highlighted New Zealand’s early intent.
Ravindra also hit three boundaries but fell after mistiming a cut shot straight to backward point.
Sri Lanka struck back strongly through their spin attack. Maheesh Theekshana produced a decisive spell of 3 for 30, dismissing Fin Allen (23 off 13) with a caught-and-bowled off a carrom ball, before trapping Ravindra’s middle-order partner in pressure situations.
Theekshana later removed Mark Chapman (0) with a classic off-spinner that turned and struck the top of off stump.
Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Dushmantha Chameera also delivered a breakthrough performance, finishing with 3 for 38.
Chameera removed Tim Seifert (8) early with a well-placed short ball that was pulled flat to deep square leg, before later dismissing Glenn Phillips (18), who was bowled by a 144 kmph wobble-seam delivery that skidded through the gap between bat and pad.
The middle overs belonged largely to Sri Lanka. Dunith Wellalage bowled with control and dismissed Daryl Mitchell, who was bowled while attempting a forward defensive shot as the ball skidded through without turn.
New Zealand slipped from 75 for 3 to 84 for 6 as Sri Lanka tightened the screws with disciplined spin bowling and sharp fielding. However, the late-innings heroics of Santner and McConchie changed the complexion of the match.
Santner’s innings was a powerful display of controlled aggression. He attacked both spin and pace in the death overs, striking four sixes. His biggest impact came against Theekshana and Chameera, where he lofted slog sweeps and straight hits over the leg-side boundary.
Santner also struck a six off a high full toss, although Sri Lanka briefly checked for a no-ball before the delivery was confirmed legal.
The dramatic final over provided the match’s highlight moment. Chameera bowled a full delivery outside off stump, and Santner attempted an aggressive drive but failed to keep it down.
Sri Lankan allrounder Charith Asalanka produced a stunning diving catch at extra cover, ending Santner’s innings on 47 off 26 balls with two fours and four sixes.
McConchie remained unbeaten on 31 off 23 balls, playing a crucial supporting role. He struck key boundaries through the off side and launched a six over deep mid-wicket, especially capitalising on Sri Lanka’s slower ball variations during the death overs.
McConchie also hit a stylish four through backward point during a rare period of boundary drought, helping New Zealand maintain a healthy run rate of 8.40.
Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was otherwise disciplined. Dilshan Madushanka kept things tight with early overs and almost contributed with a wicket when a difficult catch was dropped off his bowling during the powerplay. Sri Lanka’s fielding, however, was inconsistent, with a couple of catching opportunities missed under pressure.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand scored 44 runs in the mandatory powerplay, setting a foundation before Sri Lanka’s spin combination took control. The batting side also benefited from McConchie’s boundary after a 33-ball gap without a four, reflecting the bowlers’ dominance in the middle phase.
With 169 required for victory, Sri Lanka will now rely on their top order, including Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, to launch their chase and keep their Super 8 campaign alive.
