Mitchell Santner created history against Sri Lanka, first player to achieve double feat for New Zealand

In the Super-8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand maintained its excellent performance and strengthened its claim in the tournament by defeating Sri Lanka by 61 runs. R of Colombo. In this match played at Premadasa Stadium, the Kiwi team overcame difficult circumstances and won.

At one time New Zealand’s top order had faltered badly and six batsmen had returned to the pavilion for 84 runs. In such a crisis, captain Mitchell Santner took the responsibility, stabilized the innings and along with taking the team to a fighting score, also made a historic achievement in his name.

Mitchell Santner played captaincy innings in crisis

It seemed difficult for New Zealand to score big after the top order was out early, but Mitchell Santner showed a mixture of great composure and aggression. He played an important inning of 47 runs in 26 balls and took the team’s score to 168 runs.

Historic double of 1000 runs and 100+ wickets in T20 International

With the innings played in this match, Mitchell Santner completed his 1000 runs in T20 International cricket. With this he became the first player for New Zealand to score 1000 runs and take more than 100 wickets in T20Is. Santner, who has played 132 T20 International matches so far, has 1021 runs and 127 wickets in his name. He has become the sixth player among the players of full member teams in world cricket to achieve this double.

Santner joins this special club

Mitchell Santner’s name has now been added to the list of players from full member countries who have achieved the double of 1000+ runs and 100+ wickets in T20 International along with legends like Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya and Shadab Khan.

Sri Lanka is certain to be out of the tournament

Sri Lanka was expected to perform better in this tournament, especially after defeating Australia in the group stage. But after this the team’s performance continued to decline. After the defeat to England, this defeat against New Zealand eliminated Sri Lanka from the race for the semi-finals.