COLOMBO – In a thrilling Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, New Zealand staged a remarkable comeback to post 168/7 against Sri Lanka, setting a challenging target of 169 runs.
Having lost the toss and been put in to bat, the Kiwis started steadily with openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen putting on 30 runs in 3.1 overs. Allen’s aggressive knock of 23 off 13 balls, featuring three fours and a six, ended prematurely, followed soon by Seifert for 8.
Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra then steadied the innings with a 41-run stand off 31 balls for the third wicket. But the middle order crumbled as Phillips fell for 18, and Ravindra departed for a brisk 32 off 22 balls in the 11.2 over, leaving NZ in dire straits.
Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell followed quickly, both scoring single digits, as the score slumped. Enter captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie, who forged an unbeaten 84-run partnership off 47 balls for the seventh wicket, turning the game on its head.
Santner smashed 47 off 26 balls with four sixes and two fours, while McConchie remained not out on 31 off 23, laced with five boundaries. Their heroics lifted New Zealand from a precarious position to a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck back with Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera claiming three wickets apiece, Dunith Wellalage taking one. New Zealand’s line-up featured Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson under Santner’s leadership.
Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, fielded Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dilshan Madushanka.
With the pitch offering assistance to spinners and the dew factor looming, Sri Lanka faces a tough chase to keep their Super 8 hopes alive.