In a remarkable display of resilience, New Zealand salvaged their innings in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka at Colombo, scoring 70 crucial runs in the final four overs. The Kiwis had been teetering at a precarious 84 for six when two all-rounders, Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner, orchestrated a recovery that rescued the team from potential humiliation.
The pair forged a 47-run partnership in just 47 deliveries, significantly bolstering New Zealand’s total. Santner, who faced 26 balls, scored a brisk 47 before being dismissed on the last ball of the innings, while de Grandhomme remained unbeaten on 31 from 23 balls. This seventh-wicket stand now holds the record for the highest partnership at that position in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the previous best set by Mike Hussey and Steve Smith against Bangladesh in 2010, where they had put together a 74-run partnership.
By crossing the 160-run mark after losing six wickets for fewer than 100 runs, New Zealand’s innings has become a rare feat in T20 cricket. Historically, teams that had six wickets down under 100 rarely went on to post such competitive totals. Some notable instances include:
| Year | Match | Team | Score at 6 Wickets | Final Score | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Namibia vs Sri Lanka | Namibia | 93/6 | 163/7 | Significant recovery |
| 2007 | South Africa vs England (Cape Town) | South Africa | 94/6 | 154 | Early collapse rescued |
| 2021 | Afghanistan vs Pakistan (Dubai) | Afghanistan | 76/6 | 147 | Recovered to competitive total |
| 2026 | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | New Zealand | 84/6 | 160+ | Record seventh-wicket stand |
This innings not only secured a respectable total for New Zealand but also spared them the embarrassment of a collapse reminiscent of Bangladesh’s struggles in previous T20 World Cups. Cricket analysts have lauded the composure and tactical acumen of Santner and de Grandhomme, whose ability to accelerate scoring under pressure has now entered T20 World Cup history.
With this recovery, New Zealand has not only advanced confidently in the tournament but also demonstrated the depth of their batting lineup, particularly the crucial role of lower-order batsmen in high-stakes matches. The duo’s record-breaking partnership will be remembered as one of the finest examples of strategic counterattacking in modern T20 cricket.