SL vs NZ Super 8 - Match 6 Results

5:33 PM IST Wicket spun more than they thought it would - The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner admits that Sri Lanka bowled exceptionally well through the middle phase, picking up three quick wickets and tightening the squeeze. He adds that the plan, alongside Cole McConchie, was to push the total towards 140, and feels that getting past 160 in the end was a strong recovery. Details that it was a kind of pitch where if you get in, you need to give yourself some time, and then cash in on the opportunities. Says it looked like a good wicket, but it spun more than they expected. He praises McConchie’s effort, mentioning that both of them had a cautious start but benefited from taking the innings deep. He also observes that the pitch offered more turn than expected for both sides, which allowed spinners to control their lengths, especially with the bigger boundaries in play. On the bowling front, Santner says the conditions made it clear that spin would play a major role, something reinforced by watching earlier matches. He adds that while spin dominated, seamers were still effective in patches, making it a balanced effort overall.

5:31 PM IST What's on the menu for Thursday? A double header in Group 1 awaits us on 26th February, and both games carry major implications in the race for the semi-finals. First up, in Ahmedabad at 9.30 am GMT, South Africa and West Indies square off in what could be a decisive clash. The winner will take a giant stride towards sealing a spot in the knockouts. Later in the day, at 1.30 pm GMT in Chennai, two teams who will have one eye on that earlier game take the field as India and Zimbabwe lock horns. As always, you can join us early for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

5:26 PM IST Qualification scenario in Group 2 - England, with their win over Pakistan on Tuesday, are already through to the semi-finals. With Sri Lanka now out of the race, it is down to New Zealand and Pakistan for the remaining spot in the group. New Zealand's next assignment is against England on 27th February. A win for the Kiwis will seal their place in the final four. Pakistan play a day later, on 28th February, against Sri Lanka. By then, they will have complete clarity on whether they are in the race. If New Zealand slip up against England, Pakistan will remain in the hunt and would need a win big enough to overtake the Kiwis on net run rate. At the moment, Pakistan's NRR is -0.461, while New Zealand enjoy a massive cushion at +3.050.

5:19 PM IST Can't rely on one or two individuals with the bat - Sri Lanka's skipper, Dasun Shanaka says that it is really embarrassing to disappoint the fans. Adds that the partnership between Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie took the game away from them. He states that he didn't expect the pitch to turn the way it did, as it was a new track. Dasun shares that they wanted to restrict their opposition to under 130, but the opposition batters simply outplayed them. He also gives credit to the Kiwi bowlers who bowled the correct lengths. Mentions that he is now looking forward to facing Pakistan, and he hopes that his batting unit takes a bit more responsibility.

5:13 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - No surprises as Rachin Ravindra wins the award for his all-round heroics. 32 off 22 with the bat, followed by a superb bowling effort of 4/27. Rachin receives the award from Simon Doull. Says it is pleasing to get the win and play a good game of cricket. Credits Sri Lanka as well, calling them a strong side at home. Adds that it was awesome to see contributions coming from across the board. On being asked about what worked with the ball, he details that understanding that bowling slower was better. He also highlights that a few stats were put out there to bowl under 85 kph to get success on this pitch. Says Santner is a master at that craft, so they decided that the slower they bowl, the better. Also detail that Maheesh also bowled to them with those slow offies, which helped them understand better. On contributing in all facets of the game, Rachin says it is just about contributing to the team. Adds if you can bat in the top three and bowl some overs, it will help the team massively. So he feels good to contribute with both bat and ball. On playing in front of the Sri Lankan crowd, he says the atmosphere was incredible. Shares that walking out and hearing the national anthems, he adds, serves as a reminder of why they play the game. He also notes that the fans were chanting 'New Zealand, New Zealand' at times, and credits the supporters for turning up in huge numbers as well.

5:12 PM IST Sri Lanka beaten at their game - 17 overs of spin from New Zealand proved too much for the home side to handle. After Matt Henry struck early in the Powerplay to do the initial damage, the spinners took over and tightened their grip on the contest. Just 20 runs came off the Powerplay, and Kusal Mendis, struggling with his leg, did not help the Sri Lankan cause. Like in the England game, the hosts left much to be desired with their shot selection, and Ravindra in particular spun a web around the batters.