BENGALURU – New Zealand on Thursday pulled out a crucial win over Sri Lanka, strengthening their hopes to qualify for the semi-final round of the World Cup 2023.
The Blackcaps thrashed the Lankan by five wickets as they surpassed the 172-run target in 23.2 overs at Bengaluru stadium, a win that has improved their run rate and served blow to Pakistan’s hopes for the semis.
Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42) took a strong opening start with their fiery knocks, boosting the chase in first powerplay. After their dismissal, Daryl Mitchell played a knock of 43 taking his side close to the victory, which was ensured by Glenn Phillips.
Pakistan are now required to beat England by over 250 runs margin to qualify for the semi-final round.
Earlier, a stunning bowling spell from New Zealand devasted Sri Lanka’s batting line-up as they could post an easy target of 172 runs.
Kusal Perera amassed fastest fifty of the World Cup 2023 to help his side to take a strong start but he could not get much support from teammates as the Lankans lost wickets in quick sessions.
Maheesh Theekshana from the tail order tried to put scores on the board but his last wicket partnership came to an end with Dilshan Madushanka’s dismissal.
Trent Boult claimed a three-wicket haul while Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Santner and Rachin Ravindra took two wickets each.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opt to bat first.
New Zealand will need to get back to winning ways against Sri Lanka in order to keep their World Cup campaign on track.
Glenn Maxwell’s record-breaking against Afghanistan has ensured that New Zealand stay in the No 4 spot in the Cricket World Cup standings, but the Black Caps will need to push on to give themselves the best possible chance at making the knockout stages of the event.
With Pakistan and Afghanistan breathing down their necks, only an emphatic victory against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru can give some relief to New Zealand. Kane Williamson. & Co. While a loss wouldn’t rule them out yet, the Kiwis would then leave their fate solely to other results going their way.
A three-wicket loss to Bangladesh was the island nation’s sixth defeat for the tournament, a disappointing turn of events for a side playing in conditions that favour their strengths.
While the likes of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, and Dilshan Madushanka have shined in their departments.
Squads
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (c), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Angelo Mathews, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne.
