Eng Vs Nz: New Zealand’s 61-run Super 8s win over Sri Lanka in Colombo
New Zealand recorded a 61-run Super 8s victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo, a result that had captain Mitch Santner already looking ahead to eng vs nz as he reflected on a game shaped by spin and one big late partnership. Ravindra returned 4-27 as Sri Lanka slumped to 107-8 chasing 169 while Santner (47 off 26) and Cole McConchie (31 off 23) lifted New Zealand to 168-7.
Eng Vs Nz in Santner's mind after Colombo win
Santner said the pitch and bowlers gave New Zealand a window: "There was obviously a nice little period for us with the track and with the ball. They squeezed us a lot, I think we lost three wickets on 84 which is never ideal. " He added that he and McConchie had aimed to take the innings toward 140 and that reaching around 160 set up the final overs.
Santner and McConchie lift New Zealand to 168-7
Santner finished with 47 off 26 balls and McConchie made 31 off 23 as New Zealand posted 168-7. The innings had a tense middle phase when New Zealand lost three wickets for no runs, slipping to 84-6, before the partnership between Santner and McConchie rebuilt the total.
Ravindra, Theekshana and Chameera bowl Sri Lanka collapse to 107-8
Sri Lanka, chasing 169, collapsed to 107-8 as Ravindra took 4-27. Theekshana and Chameera claimed three wickets each, combining to deprive the home side of any sustained chase.
Shanaka admits pitch turned and vows bounce-back
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka called the result "embarrassing to disappoint the home crowd, they've been very supportive. " He said Sri Lanka had started well but that the partnership between Santner and McConchie "was a really good one that took the game away from us. " Shanaka added the decision to bat had been collective and that his side had not expected the pitch to turn so much; they had hoped to restrict New Zealand to 130.
Match coverage, commentary and a look ahead
Coverage noted it did not bring as much drama as a Super 8s match-up normally would, but commentators said they enjoyed guiding viewers through the contest. Readers were urged to take a read of Sam Drury's report to relive New Zealand's stunning 61-run victory. The coverage also posed the question: What should England do about Jos Buttler?
New Zealand captain Santner also spoke about the quick turnaround facing England next: "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's Shanaka finished by saying: "One more game, we need to finish on a high so hopefully we can have our best game. "
Join the live-text commentary tomorrow for two fixtures on the schedule: West Indies take on South Africa at 09: 30 GMT and India face Zimbabwe at 13: 30 GMT.
