Santner and McConchie help New Zealand reach 169 runs in Super 8s match.

In a thrilling must-win T20 World Cup match, New Zealand's hopes were in jeopardy as Sri Lankan bowler Maheesh Theekshana took three wickets in quick succession. But the Kiwis' captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie stepped up to the plate and staged an incredible comeback, leading their team to a total of 168 for 7. It was a rollercoaster of a match, with New Zealand initially flying high with a strong start of 73 runs in the first nine overs. Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra were the stars of the show, scoring 23 and 32 runs respectively in quick succession. But Theekshana's cunning off-spin and Dushmantha Chameera's fiery pace proved to be a formidable challenge for the Kiwis. Sri Lanka's decision to bowl first seemed to be paying off, as the New Zealand batsmen struggled to keep up with the pressure. Theekshana's carrom ball took down Allen, while his teasingly flighted delivery fooled Ravindra, sending him back to the pavilion. Chameera's aggressive bowling also proved to be fruitful, taking down Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips. At the halfway mark, it seemed like Sri Lanka had the upper hand with New Zealand struggling at 98 for 6. But then came the pivotal moment when McConchie and Santner joined forces and turned the tables. McConchie's explosive batting, including two sixes and a four off Chameera's over, injected new energy into the Kiwi's innings. Santner, on the other hand, played a calculated and powerful innings with four sixes and two fours in his 26-ball 47. Together, the duo put on an impressive 84-run partnership in just 47 balls, giving their team a much-needed boost. As the match neared its end, Sri Lanka's bowling began to falter with wayward lines and a noticeable dip in intensity. This allowed the Kiwis to score 70 runs in the final four overs, ending their innings on a high note. With England already securing a spot in the semifinals from Group 2, the race for the second spot was still open between New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This match was a do-or-die situation for all three teams, adding to the intensity of the game. In the end, New Zealand emerged victorious, thanks to the impressive partnership between McConchie and Santner. Sri Lanka's bowling effort, which had been sharp and disciplined throughout the match, faltered in the final stages, ultimately leading to their defeat. It was a nail-biting match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Both teams gave their all, but in the end, it was the Kiwis who came out on top, securing their spot in the semifinals. This was a match that truly showcased the unpredictable and thrilling nature of T20 cricket.