New Zealand Rallies From Near-Collapse to World Cup Win

When New Zealand slumped to 84-6 in their T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka, going 32 balls without a single boundary, defeat seemed inevitable.

Then captain Mitchell Santner and all-rounder Cole McConchie pulled off something special. The pair smashed 84 runs together for the seventh wicket, the highest partnership ever recorded at that position in World Cup history.

Their transformation was stunning. Santner went from scoring just 5 runs off 11 balls to blasting 42 off his next 15 deliveries. McConchie exploded even more dramatically, scoring 28 of his last 11 balls after crawling to 3 off 12.

The rally gave New Zealand 168 runs total, with 70 coming in just the final four overs. Sri Lanka, chasing 169 to stay alive in the tournament, managed only 107-8 in response.

Rachin Ravindra starred with the ball, taking 4-27, while Matt Henry grabbed two wickets in his opening spell. The 61-run victory puts New Zealand on the doorstep of the semifinals with one match remaining.

The Bright Side

This comeback shows exactly why cricket fans never leave early. Just when New Zealand looked finished, two players who trusted each other turned panic into possibility.

The victory gives New Zealand a massive net run rate advantage over Pakistan, their only remaining rival for a semifinal spot. Even if they lose to England in their final group match, they're almost certain to advance.

McConchie's selection proved inspired too. Brought in for Jimmy Neesham as part of a spin-heavy attack, he delivered with both bat and ball on one of cricket's biggest stages.

New Zealand faces England in two days knowing one win locks up the top spot in their group and a place in the final four.