The Black Caps were left chasing a score two runs more than their highest ever T20 total, which came against Scotland. But with veterans Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner at the crease, there was still home hope, albeit slim. New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner during the award ceremony at the end of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup final. “To see a big sea of blue, obviously India were home favourites. Playing a home World Cup comes with a lot of pressure.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 08, 2026 19:14 UTC