COLOMBO: Facing a must-win Super 8 battle in T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand bounced back from 84/6 to all-out 168/7, thanks to a heroic seventh-wicket stand, giving Sri Lanka 169 to chase at Premadasa.
Toss losers, the Black Caps began brightly with Allen smashing 23 (13) alongside Seifert’s 8 for a 30-run platform. Early blows mounted as Phillips made 18 in a 41-run stand with Ravindra (32, 22b), only for the innings to unravel with Chapman (0) and Mitchell (3) dismissed in quick succession.
Captain Santner then unleashed hell, partnering McConchie for 84 crucial runs. Santner’s 47 (26: 4×6, 2×4) was pure firepower, complemented by McConchie’s unbeaten 31 (23: 5×4/6), dragging NZ to a defendable score.
Sri Lanka’s attack was led by Theekshana and Chameera’s three-wicket hauls each, Wellalage chipping in with one. NZ lineup: Santner (c), Allen, Seifert (wk), Ravindra, Phillips, Chapman, Mitchell, McConchie, Henry, Sodhi, Ferguson.
Hosts Sri Lanka (Shanaka c): Nissanka, Mendis (wk), Asalanka, Rathnayake, K. Mendis, Wellalage, Hemantha, Chameera, Theekshana, Madushanka.
With spinners dominating and evening dew in play, this chase could define both teams’ tournament fates in the Super 8 stage.