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Trent Boult picks up 3-37 because the Kiwis win by 5 wickets and edge nearer to the final remaining semifinal spot.
New Zealand returned to successful methods on the Cricket World Cup following a four-match stoop as they defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and all however secured their place within the semifinals.
Opening batsmen Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42) acquired fourth-placed New Zealand’s chase of 172 off to a quick begin and Daryl Mitchell (43) took them shut earlier than they crossed the end line in 23.2 overs on Thursday.
Victory left New Zealand on 10 factors – in pole place to assert the final semifinal spot and be a part of India, South Africa and Australia. Pakistan will now have to beat England by an nearly not possible margin to leapfrog New Zealand on internet run fee.
Afghanistan, who additionally had slim hopes of qualifying for the knockouts, discover themselves in an analogous place as their Asian neighbours earlier than their conflict with South Africa.
“Actually good efficiency,” mentioned New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. “The early wickets and spin was a problem by means of these center overs. The pitch actually slowed down later.
“The fellows confirmed some good intent later with the chase, so nice efficiency total. We thought there was going to be some climate later however there wasn’t any. Arduous to learn such issues.”
Earlier, seamer Trent Boult and off-spinner Mitchell Santner landed well timed blows as Sri Lanka limped to 171 all out after an early blitz by Kusal Perera (51) and a defiant late effort by Maheesh Theekshana (38 not out).
“Good to get a little bit of success on the high. A must-win recreation, the pleasure is about getting the consequence,” mentioned man-of-the-match Boult, who went previous 600 worldwide wickets.
Barring an unlikely miracle in Pakistan’s final recreation, New Zealand will tackle hosts India within the semifinals.
South Africa and Australia have already certified for the knockout levels as the highest three sides within the desk. New Zealand appears prone to face hosts India within the first semi in Mumbai on November 15 whereas South Africa performs Australia within the second semi in Kolkata on November 16.
“Everybody desires a chunk of the robust dwelling nation,” Boult mentioned. “We’re trying ahead to it. It’ll be thrilling to face India within the semi-finals. They’re taking part in phenomenal cricket.”
Williamson’s determination to bowl after successful the toss paid off early, as Boult (3-37) and Tim Southee (1-52) tore by means of the Sri Lanka high order to depart them in some bother at 32-3 inside 5 overs.
Perera, who was dropped on zero by Tom Latham within the second over, punished New Zealand with a 22-ball fifty however misplaced one other companion when Boult trapped Charith Asalanka lbw to show up the warmth on the 1996 champions.
A fit-again Lockie Ferguson (2-35) struck in his second over to dismiss the aggressive Perera as Sri Lanka collapsed to 70-5 and ultimately folded within the forty seventh over for a modest complete after Santner (2-22) and Ravindra (2-21) joined the celebration.
Santner curtailed Sri Lanka throughout an important section of the innings and eliminated Angelo Mathews (16) and Dhananjaya de Silva (19) earlier than Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka (19) annoyed New Zealand with a Tenth-wicket stand of 43.
Sri Lanka’s hopes of securing qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy had been dealt a blow. They wanted a win to spice up its possibilities of ending within the high eight on the World Cup however completed ninth after finishing 9 league video games.
Sri Lanka are equal on 4 factors with England, Bangladesh and Netherlands however solely forward of the Dutch on run-rate, and can now depend upon the final matches of these three sides.
The highest eight groups on this World Cup – together with hosts Pakistan – will qualify for the Champions Trophy.
“Within the first 10 overs, we misplaced three-four wickets and struggled with the bat,” mentioned Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis, after his aspect dropped to ninth.
“If we had an excellent partnership within the center overs, we may have had 300-plus on this wicket.”
