Colombo, Feb 25 (NationPress) New Zealand's skipper, Mitchell Santner, praised his team's ability to bounce back and their effective bowling after securing a convincing 61-run win against Sri Lanka, which kept their hopes for the Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals alive. He acknowledged that a total exceeding 160 was commendable given the pressure from the Sri Lankan bowlers at the R Premadasa Stadium.

After being in a tough spot at 84/6, Santner and Cole McConchie formed a record partnership of 84 runs to elevate New Zealand to 168/7. The spinners, particularly Rachin Ravindra who took 4 wickets for 27 runs, proved too much for Sri Lanka as they managed only 107/8 in response, leading to a resounding victory.

“We achieved a decent score despite the challenging spin conditions. The loss of six wickets for 84 runs was not ideal, but Cole and I aimed to stabilize and target 140, which set us up nicely for the final overs. Ultimately, 160 was a solid score from our position,” Santner remarked during the post-match presentation.

On his performance, Santner expressed satisfaction, stating, “I felt good at the crease. On such wickets, if you settle in, you can capitalize. Cole and I shared that mindset. Scoring 160 was pleasing, and knowing what we had to do with the ball was crucial after observing the first innings.”

Santner lauded McConchie’s poise during the innings. “The spin was more pronounced than we anticipated, but we managed to control our lengths. When the ball spins towards the larger side of the field, it can be advantageous.”

“It was a bit nerve-wracking initially, both of us scoring just three runs off ten balls. However, the longer we stayed, the better we executed our plans,” he added.

Discussing Ravindra’s bowling spell, Santner stated, “We’ve observed numerous matches here, and spin has been pivotal. I didn’t need much convincing to use my slow deliveries. Ravindra was very effective.”

Looking ahead, Santner acknowledged the upcoming challenge against England. “They are remarkable competitors, and we recognize that. We will assess the pitch conditions closely. It might lead to another high-scoring contest.”

Ravindra, who was named Player of the Match, highlighted the team's overall performance. “Winning convincingly in their home conditions is rewarding. Credit to Sri Lanka for their efforts, but our performance was nearly flawless, with contributions from all players.”

He shared how his batting experience, despite not scoring heavily, informed his bowling strategy. “Understanding that slower deliveries were more effective was key, as we realized from previous matches against Pakistan regarding the surface's responsiveness.”

“Santner, being a master of this craft, guided us in the spin department, emphasizing that pace off was essential, especially given how Maheesh bowled to us.”

Ravindra emphasized the significance of versatile contributions. “For me, it’s vital to help the team in various roles. Batting in the top order while offering overs contributes to a balanced team dynamic.”

“In these conditions, I often bowl more than at home. I’m just pleased to be involved, as it’s fulfilling to contribute with the ball even on a day I don’t perform well with the bat,” he added.

He also appreciated the vibrant crowd atmosphere. “The Sri Lankan fans were incredible. Experiencing their national anthem and the supportive cheers for New Zealand were unforgettable moments that remind you why you love this game. Their attendance has been remarkable during Sri Lanka's matches.”