| Sri Lanka 171 (46.4 overs): Perera 51 (28); Boult 3-37 |
| New Zealand 172-5 (23.2 overs): Conway 45 (42); Mathews 2-29 |
| New Zealand received by 5 wickets |
| Scorecard. Desk |
New Zealand all however sealed a World Cup semi-final spot with a simple five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.
Sri Lanka, who had been already eradicated, had been bowled out for 171, with Black Caps seamer Trent Boult taking 3-36.
In a chaotic begin, they slumped to 70-5 in 9.3 overs, with opener Kusal Perera smashing 51 from 28 balls.
New Zealand reached their goal in 23.2 overs to provide their web run-rate a major increase and make it unlikely they are often overtaken in fourth.
Pakistan and Afghanistan can nonetheless match the Black Caps on 10 factors however would want extremely unbelievable margins of victory over England and South Africa respectively to overtake New Zealand’s superior web run fee.
Sri Lanka couldn’t profit from an honest pitch after being put into bat, with Perera the one member of the highest 5 to achieve double figures.
Solely cussed resistance from ultimate pair Maheesh Theekshana, who made 38 not out from 91, and Dilshan Madushanka, who added 19 from 48, helped them keep away from a complete capitulation.
The Kiwis began brightly in reply by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra’s elegant opening stand of 86, then dropping 5 wickets for 76 as they seemed to seal victory as rapidly as attainable, earlier than Glenn Phillips wrapped up the win.
New Zealand bounce again
The Black Caps once more went underneath the radar within the build-up however, having completed runners-up prior to now two editions, look set for one more World Cup knockout stage.
Their optimistic begin of 4 wins in a row meant they bought in a robust place to achieve the semi-finals early on, that means they might afford the the 4 straight defeats that adopted.
As soon as fourth place is confirmed, it units up an intriguing encounter towards India, who received the assembly within the group levels and are unbeaten, however misplaced the 2019 semi-final to the Black Caps and are underneath immense strain as hosts.
Ravindra, whose 42 right here took him again to the highest of the run-scoring chart, is the breakout star of the World Cup up to now, whereas there have been different optimistic indicators in Conway’s return to type and captain Kane Williamson persevering with to fit again in effortlessly after harm.
New Zealand have been dealt some harm blows of their bowling assault, with Matt Henry dominated out of the match, however they’ve withstood all of it, preventing on within the quiet, dignified means Kiwi sides are admired for.
Boult seemed again to his venomous greatest with the brand new ball and was backed up by long-time companion Tim Southee, whereas spinner Mitchell Santner’s economical 2-22 took his tally to fifteen wickets up to now.
They could not go into tournaments as favourites, however they continue to be a workforce to concern and will probably be determined to make it third time fortunate of their quest for World Cup glory.
‘Everybody needs a chunk of the host nation’ – response
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis: “We misplaced too many wickets within the first 10 overs – 300 would have been a very good rating on that pitch.
“I’m very comfortable to see a few gamers placing their arms up and performing. These guys will probably be our guys for the longer term.”
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson: “There are just a few groups that would find yourself on comparable factors so it is out of our management.
“Hopefully, if it goes our means and we get to a semi, to play the host workforce will probably be an incredible alternative. We’ll stay up for the problem if we get there.”
Participant of the Match, New Zealand’s Trent Boult: “It was a giant recreation for us and must-win, so it’s pleasing to get the consequence.
“We wish to push for a giant end. Everybody needs a chunk of the host nation. They’re enjoying phenomenal cricket. I am certain it will likely be an thrilling recreation.”