New Zealand produced a remarkable turnaround against Sri Lanka, powered by Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie, whose 84-run seventh-wicket partnership transformed a precarious position into a commanding total.
After losing early wickets, New Zealand appeared under pressure, but Santner and McConchie rebuilt patiently before accelerating in the closing overs to seize control of the contest.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gathered momentum. Despite brief resistance, they were bowled out 61 runs short, suffering a heavy defeat that severely damages their semi-final hopes.
New Zealand Recover with Record Seventh-Wicket Partnership
The 84-run partnership between Santner and McConchie set a new T20 World Cup record for the highest seventh-wicket stand, surpassing the previous mark of 74 runs set by Michael Hussey and Steve Smith in 2010.
Their stand not only repaired the innings but shifted the momentum entirely, allowing New Zealand to post a competitive total after a shaky start.
Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips had earlier steadied the innings following early setbacks, rotating the strike effectively and capitalising on loose deliveries to lay the platform for the late surge.
Ravindra and Henry Lead the Bowling Charge
Rachin Ravindra then delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 27, his best figures in T20Is, including a decisive double strike that resulted in two stumpings in three balls.
Matt Henry provided crucial early breakthroughs during the powerplay, removing key batters and placing Sri Lanka under sustained pressure with disciplined lines and clever variations.
Dunith Wellalage attempted to counterattack, striking the only six of the innings and finishing unbeaten on 27 off 18 balls, but his effort proved insufficient to halt the collapse.
Sri Lanka Falter Under Pressure
Despite strong support from the home crowd at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain composure as wickets fell at regular intervals.
The atmosphere remained vibrant, with every dot ball and breakthrough loudly celebrated, but the hosts were unable to recover from repeated batting setbacks.
Implications for Semifinal Race
The victory significantly boosts New Zealand’s net run rate and places them in a strong position in the race for the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are eliminated from contention, while Pakistan face a must-win scenario in their upcoming match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
New Zealand’s performance showcased tactical discipline, resilience, and clinical execution — qualities that could prove decisive as the tournament approaches its knockout stage.
