- New Zealand’s comeback victory
- Impressive batting performance
- Sri Lanka’s early struggles
After a four-match losing streak, New Zealand began to recover at the World Cup by defeating Sri Lanka by five wickets and virtually securing a spot in the semi-finals.
New Zealand, in fourth place, made an impressive pursuit of 172 runs. Opening batsmen Devon Conway (45 runs) and Rachin Ravindra (42) contributed significantly. Daryl Mitchell (43) brought them close before they secured the victory in 23.2 overs.
Path to the Semi-Finals
With ten points, the victory placed New Zealand in pole position to advance to the finals and join India, South Africa, and Australia. Pakistan must secure an almost insurmountable victory over England to surpass New Zealand in terms of net run rate. Afghanistan, which had scant chances of qualifying for the knockout stage, entered their match against South Africa in a comparable predicament to their neighbouring countries.
“Extremely impressive performance,” remarked Kane Williamson, captain of New Zealand. “The early wickets and spin presented a formidable obstacle during the middle overs.” The pitch eventually slowed considerably. Later in the chase, the guys demonstrated some solid intent, so the performance was outstanding overall. We had anticipated that there would be some precipitation in the evening, but none materialised. It is difficult to read such stuff.”
Sri Lanka’s Struggles
Earlier, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner and seamer Trent Boult delivered timely blows as Sri Lanka struggled to 171 all out following an early onslaught by Kusal Perera (51) and a defiant late effort by Maheesh Theekshana (38 not out). Boult was named man of the match after amassing 600 international wickets.
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New Zealand will play India in the semi-finals, unless Pakistan’s final match is a miracle. Boult stated, “Everyone desires a piece of the strong home nation.” “We are eagerly anticipating it. India will be an intriguing opponent in the semi-finals. They are exhibiting exceptional cricket performance.”
Sri Lanka’s Early Struggles
Early on, the Sri Lankan top order was reduced to 32 for three inside five overs due to the dismissal of Boult (three for 37) and Tim Southee (one for 52), proving that Williamson’s decision to bowl after winning the toss was a wise one. Perera, who was dismissed for nought by Tom Latham in the second over, hit New Zealand for fifty off 22 balls but lost another companion when Charith Asalanka was bowled over by Boult to increase the pressure on the 1996 champions.
In his second over, Lockie Ferguson dismissed the aggressive Perera for 70 for five. Sri Lanka disintegrated to 70 for five and ultimately surrendered for a modest total in the 47th over, following the additions of Santner (two for 22) and Ravindra (two for 21).
“We struggled with the bat and lost three to four wickets in the first ten overs,” said Kusal Mendis, captain of Sri Lanka, as his team fell to ninth place. “Had we formed a strong partnership during the middle overs, our score on this wicket could have surpassed 300.”
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