New Zealand Vs Sri Lanka: Santner and McConchie Rescue NZ, Ravindra 4-27 in 61-Run Super Eights Win
In a Super Eights Group 2 encounter in Colombo, new zealand vs sri lanka produced a clear result as New Zealand posted 168-7 and then bowled Sri Lanka out for 107-8 while defending a target of 169, completing a 61-run victory. The match — the 46th of the Super Eights — unfolded at Colombo (RPS) on February 25, 2026, and featured significant individual performances and a pitch that changed as the game progressed.
Match metadata: 46th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N), Colombo (RPS), February 25, 2026
- Stage: Super Eights, Group 2 (N)
- Match number: 46th Match
- Venue: Colombo (RPS)
- Date: February 25, 2026
- Tournament: ICC Men's T20 World Cup
New Zealand Vs Sri Lanka: innings and key figures
New Zealand finished on 168-7, a total boosted late by Mitch Santner and Cole McConchie. Santner scored 47 off 26 balls and McConchie made 31 off 23. Earlier in their innings, New Zealand suffered a dramatic collapse, losing three wickets for no runs and sliding to 84-6 before the late partnership rebuilt the innings and set a defendable 169.
Bowling and the Sri Lanka chase
The chase faltered badly for Sri Lanka. Ravindra took 4-27 as Sri Lanka slumped to 107-8 while pursuing 169. Theekshana and Chameera each returned three wickets in the match, summarized as three wickets for Theekshana and Chameera. The collective effect of those wickets ended Sri Lanka’s bid well short of the target.
Captain reactions and pitch assessment
New Zealand captain Mitch Santner reflected on both the batting recovery and on conditions: he noted there had been "a nice little period for us with the track and with the ball" and that the side had lost three wickets on 84 which was "never ideal. " Santner explained that he and Cole McConchie aimed first for 140 to set up the late overs and judged that "160 wasn't a bad total from there. " He added that it was a tough wicket to begin with, that "the more you bowl, the more it spins, " and that seam bowling had been "quite nice and effective. " On the quick turnaround to face England next, Santner said, "They are outstanding, we know that. It is a quick turnaround for us. If we play on something similar to this, it might be a bit of a slog-fest as well. "
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka described the result as embarrassing for the home supporters and acknowledged the crowd's support. He said Sri Lanka started well but the partnership between Santner and McConchie "took the game away from us. " Shanaka noted that the decision to bat was collective and that they had not expected the pitch to turn so much. He added they had aimed to restrict New Zealand to 130 but conceded New Zealand played well and deserved credit, and urged his team to finish their remaining game on a high.
Powerplay storylines and highlights
New Zealand's middle-order response reversed an early uphill battle after the collapse to 84-6, a recovery encapsulated in the match’s powerplay narrative and later described in brief highlights as New Zealand's charge cut short in the powerplay phase before the partnership shifted momentum back to New Zealand. The result read out as a 61-run victory for New Zealand; readers are encouraged to read Sam Drury's report to relive New Zealand's stunning 61-run victory over Sri Lanka.
What’s next and quick reminders
It didn't bring as much drama as a Super 8s match-up normally would but, nevertheless, we really enjoyed taking you through it. Make sure to join us again tomorrow for a jam-packed day of action: West Indies take on South Africa at 09: 30 GMT and India face Zimbabwe at 13: 30 GMT.
And an editorial prompt left in coverage: What should England do about Jos Buttler?
