Nov 9, 2023
New Zealand edge closer to semifinal with clinical win over Sri Lanka
TimesofIndia.comFIERY BOULT
Fast bowler Trent Boult picked up 3-37 as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in Bengaluru to edge closer to the last remaining semifinal spot at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
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SUPER BOULT
Boult roared back to form at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 171 in 46.4 overs after being put into bat.
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SUPERB BOWLING
Fit-again paceman Lockie Ferguson claimed 2-35 in 10 overs, including two maidens, while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner bagged 2-22 as the Black Caps made easy work of a must-win game.
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BIG WIN
In reply, New Zealand hurried to 172-5 in 23.2 overs thanks to Devon Conway (45), Rachin Ravindra (42) and Daryl Mitchell (43).
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KIWIS ARE FOURTH
The victory means New Zealand are fourth with 10 points from nine games and a net run-rate of plus-0.743.
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BIG WINNING MARGIN
The big winning margin, especially chasing down the total with 26.4 overs to spare, virtually eliminates Afghanistan, who have a net run-rate of minus-0.338.
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HUMONGOUS TASK
Pakistan need another big winning margin against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata to enter the semis.
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THE SEMIFINALISTS
India, South Africa and Australia have already qualified for the knockout stages as the top three sides in the table.
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INDIA LIKELY TO FACE NZ
New Zealand seem likely to face hosts India in the first semi in Mumbai on Nov. 15 while South Africa play Australia in the second semi in Kolkata on Nov. 16.
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POOR SHOW
Sri Lanka’s hopes of securing qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy were dealt a blow. They needed a win to boost their chances of finishing in the top eight at the World Cup but finished ninth after completing their nine league games.
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WILL ISLANDERS QUALIFY?
Sri Lanka are equal on four points with England, Bangladesh and Netherlands but only ahead of the Dutch on run-rate, and will now depend on the last matches of those three sides. The top eight teams in this World Cup – including hosts Pakistan – will qualify for the Champions Trophy.
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