New Zealand Vs Sri Lanka: Santner and McConchie Star in Super Eights Win in Colombo
In the 46th Match of the Super Eights (Group 2) at Colombo (RPS) on February 25, 2026, new zealand vs sri lanka produced a decisive result as New Zealand finished on 168-7 and then bowled Sri Lanka out for 107-8 while defending 169. The result left Sri Lanka well short in front of a home crowd and set up a quick turnaround for New Zealand.
New Zealand Vs Sri Lanka: Match summary (Super Eights, Group 2)
New Zealand posted 168-7, propelled by Mitch Santner (47 off 26) and Cole McConchie (31 off 23). Earlier in the innings New Zealand lost three wickets for no runs, leaving them at 84-6 before the recovery partnership. In reply, Sri Lanka slumped to 107-8 chasing 169; Ravindra took 4-27, and both Theekshana and Chameera claimed three wickets each.
Scoreboard snapshot
- Match: 46th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N)
- Venue: Colombo (RPS)
- Date: February 25, 2026
- New Zealand: 168-7 — Santner 47, McConchie 31; early collapse to 84-6
- Sri Lanka (chasing 169): 107-8 — Ravindra 4-27; Theekshana 3 wickets; Chameera 3 wickets
Powerplay turning point — New Zealand's charge cut short
The opening period looked perilous for New Zealand when they lost three wickets for no runs and slipped to 84-6, but the Santner–McConchie partnership swung momentum back. Coverage highlighted the theme that New Zealand's charge had been cut short earlier in the match before the recovery arrived in the middle overs.
Captains' reactions and key takeaways
New Zealand captain Mitch Santner reflected that there was a favourable period with the track and the ball, and he acknowledged that losing three wickets on 84 was never ideal. Santner said that he and Cole McConchie had aimed to get to around 140 to set up the final overs, and that 160-plus feel was a defendable total. On his own innings, he noted a previous low score that had frustrated him and stressed the importance of getting time at the crease to capitalise. Santner commented that the wicket looked decent at the toss but had turned more the more teams bowled on it, while seam bowling also played a role. Looking ahead, he warned that England are outstanding and that a quick turnaround could make a similar surface a slog-fest.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka described the result as embarrassing for the home crowd and said the supporters had been very supportive. He noted that Sri Lanka had started well but that the Santner–McConchie partnership took the game away. Shanaka explained that the decision to bat first had been collective, that they had not expected the pitch to turn as much, and that their aim had been to restrict New Zealand to 130. He conceded that New Zealand had played well and deserved credit, and urged the team to finish on a high in their one remaining game.
Wrap and what's next
Match coverage encouraged readers to consult Sam Drury's report to relive New Zealand's stunning 61-run victory over Sri Lanka. The day of competition continues the following day with live-text commentary scheduled for West Indies vs South Africa at 09: 30 GMT and India vs Zimbabwe at 13: 30 GMT. Observers noted the match lacked some of the usual Super 8s drama but still provided an enjoyable narrative through the recovery and the bowling performance that sealed the win.
Recent headlines framed the evening as New Zealand's charge being cut short at stages, only for the side to regroup and claim a comfortable victory in Colombo.
