New Zealand have almost confirmed their semifinal spot after a convincing win against Sri Lanka. Pakistan and Afghanistan thought Sri Lanka would make a match out of it but Sri Lanka was never better against New Zealand. Batting first Sri Lanka was bundled out for a mere 171.
On a Bengaluru pitch, which was a batting paradise, the total was never going to be enough. Trent Boult broke the back of the SL innings by picking up three wickets and giving away just 37 runs. Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Santner, and Rachin Ravindra have all got wickets. Kusal Perera’s blistering 51 in just 28 balls is the highest score of the innings.
Chasing a modest total, SL expected a miracle but Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra gave NZ a winning start. The first wicket fell at 86 and from there on, it was a mere formality. With this win, NZ are almost through to the semifinals. Only, the inevitable has to be happened. Afghanistan is virtually out of the semis race. Pakistan will need more than a miracle.
