Wed Feb 25 13:30:00 UTC 2026: ### New Zealand Sets 169 Run Target, Sri Lanka Falters in T20 World Cup Super 8 Match

The Story:
In the sixth Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup, New Zealand set a target of 169 runs for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka struggled in response, reaching 45 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the first 10 overs. New Zealand’s innings saw a significant recovery after an initial collapse, thanks to a strong partnership between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie.

Key Points:

  • New Zealand scored 168 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs after Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl.
  • A crucial 84-run partnership off 47 balls between Mitchell Santner (47 off 26) and Cole McConchie (31 not out) helped New Zealand recover from 84 for 6.
  • This partnership is New Zealand’s highest ever for the 7th wicket in T20 Internationals.
  • Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera took 3 wickets each for Sri Lanka.
  • Rachin Ravindra took 2 wickets in the 9th over, dismissing Kusal Mendis and Pawan Ratnayake.
  • Matt Henry dismissed Pathum Nissanka (0) and Charith Asalanka (5) in the powerplay.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first did not pay off as New Zealand managed to post a competitive total despite an early collapse.
  • The partnership between Santner and McConchie proved critical in rescuing New Zealand’s innings.
  • Sri Lanka’s top-order batting crumbled under pressure, with key wickets falling early in the chase.
  • Matt Henry’s early breakthroughs put Sri Lanka on the back foot immediately.
  • New Zealand’s varied bowling attack proved effective in exploiting Sri Lanka’s batting weaknesses.

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