COLOMBO – New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner reflected on a tense start in their dominant 61-run victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match at R. Premadasa Stadium. Batting first, the Kiwis found themselves under severe pressure in the opening overs, losing three wickets by the 84-run mark.
Santner, who top-scored with 47 runs, forged a crucial 84-run seventh-wicket partnership with Cole McConchie (31 not out) to propel New Zealand to 168/7. Sri Lanka crumbled to 107/8 in response, handing the Black Caps a comprehensive win.
“Sri Lanka had us on the ropes early with the ball,” Santner admitted. “It was a tough phase. At 84/6, things looked dicey, but Cole and I focused on prolonging the innings. Our aim was 140 to set up the death overs, and pushing to 160-plus wasn’t bad.”
He praised the pitch’s unexpected spin, which aided their bowlers later. “The wicket spun more than anticipated. As spinners on the bigger side, we controlled length and got some turn. Cole had a stellar knock; we were nervous initially but built momentum.”
Santner was candid about his recent form. “Last game, I scored just 5 off 10 balls – not ideal. Here, sticking around paid off. Early batting was tricky, but reaching 160 felt good.”
Looking ahead to their crucial clash against England on February 27, Santner cautioned, “England’s a top side. We’ll see what pitch we get. If it’s spin-friendly like this, it’ll be a battle.” A win there secures New Zealand’s semi-final spot, keeping their campaign alive in the tournament.