Fans have lauded New Zealand for showing incredible character in their critical Super 8 clash of T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Kiwis have put on a strong total of 168/7 as they hope to punch their ticket to the semi-finals, joining England in the race.
New Zealand hammer 70 runs off the last four overs
It was Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, who had won the toss and put New Zealand into bat in Colombo. The hosts were on top at the halfway stage of the contest, reducing New Zealand to 84/6 in the 13th over. The Black Caps were predictably starring down the barrel. However, captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie staged a stunning resurgence for their side by threading a brisk 84-run stand off only 47 deliveries, capitalising on some sloppy fielding and wayward bowling from the 2014 champions. The final ball of the innings is when the partnership ended when Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Santner for 47, thanks to an outstanding catch from Charith Asalanka.
The last four overs notably yielded 70 runs, headlined by 21 runs off Maheesh Theekshana’s last.
Here’s how the netizens have reacted to New Zealand’s comeback:
A fan wrote:
“70 runs in the last four overs is not ‘finishing’. It’s absolute carnage.”
70 runs in the last 4 overs isn’t finishing, it is absolute carnage. New Zealand went from “Fighting for survival” to “Setting a target” in just 24 balls. 👌👌👌
— Rao Amit 🇮🇳 (@RoyalRao47) February 25, 2026
New Zealand batters should such great character in last 6 overs, scoring almost 70 tuns in last 4 overs!!! Great comeback, maybe a match winning comeback!! #ICCT20WorldCup #nzvsl
— Mahadev (@imnindian_) February 25, 2026
🚨 Mitchell Santner is hands down one of the best captains in world cricket right now.
Whenever New Zealand are in trouble, he walks in and delivers classy rescue knocks, Not flashy, Not loud, Just effective.
Once again he led the side and smashed 70 runs in last 4 overs against… pic.twitter.com/eSApD6n2nk— A N U J (@Hello_anuj) February 25, 2026
Death over fireworks!
New Zealand- 98/6 after 16 overs.
17th over – 18 runs.
18th over – 21 runs.
19th over – 19 runs.
20th over – 12 runs.70 runs in last 4 overs on this tough pitch is just insane 🥶
Mitch Santner what a captain and also credits to Cole for stitching that partnership #NzvsSL pic.twitter.com/KxAJpVVCDG
— King in the North (@cricketwithsam) February 25, 2026
🚨 70 RUNS IN LAST 4 OVERS FOR NEW ZEALAND
– What a comeback at the end pic.twitter.com/gIat0Ay56u
— usman (@cricbyusman) February 25, 2026
New Zealand 84/6 to 168/7. Sri Lanka conceded 70 runs of 22 balls. Pathetic bowling. #SlvsNz #NZvsSL #ICCT20WorldCup https://t.co/1BNhbxBnWl pic.twitter.com/2siaf5XyvR
— \/!¢K¥ 🇵🇰 (@waqar2668) February 25, 2026
INNINGS BREAK in Colombo! 🏟️
From 88/6 to 168/7—what a recovery by New Zealand! 🇳🇿 Mitchell Santner (47) and Cole McConchie (31*) hammered 70 runs in the last 4 overs to stun the Premadasa crowd. 🚀🔥
Maheesh Theekshana (3/30) was lethal, but the Kiwis have set a target that…
— Cricketishh (@cricketishh) February 25, 2026
The last 24 balls brought 70 runs from the Santner-McConchie🔥🔥 A crucial rescue act for New Zealand when they were struggling at 84/6 after 13 overs! #SLvNZ #T20WorldCup2026
— ℍ𝕚𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕟_𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕖_𝕍𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟🏏 (@RajBhandari97) February 25, 2026
What a finish from New Zealand! 70 runs from the last 4 overs. They were down and out when Mitchell was cleaned up by Wellalage. But the 84-run partnership between Santner and McConchie has taken them to a par total
— Robot at Rajputana Rifles (@cricrifle1857) February 25, 2026
New Zealand pick two powerplay wickets to edge ahead into the contest
Black Caps’ pace spearhead Matt Henry has backed up their captain’s effort by providing them with a brilliant start. Henry dismissed Pathum Nissanka in the first ball of the innings for a golden duck and returned to get the better of Asalanka for 5 in the following over.
The clash looms as a must-win especially for Sri Lanka, who lost their Super 8 game to England.
