New Zealand are keeping their hopes alive for the semi-finals as they currently sit in second place on three points, with one win and one omission. With a match to play against the group leaders, England. The Kiwis have a fantastic run rate of +3,050, which is also more than the three lions.
New Zealand and Pakistan’s semi-final scenario explained
Even if the Kiwis lose, they will need to lose by a large margin to match Pakistan’s negative run rate of -0.461. Pakistan’s net run rate has been affected by a large margin after their loss against England last night.
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Sri Lanka is completely out of the semi-final scenario. Pakistan will face the co-hosts in their final Super 8 match if New Zealand lose to the Three Lions by a big margin; then Pakistan will have to beat the island nation by a large margin to surpass the Kiwis’ net return.
If New Zealand beats England, the country will qualify alongside Harry Brooks’ team, who have already booked a place in the semi-finals. New Zealand plays against England on Friday, February 27. Sri Lanka will host Pakistan on Saturday, February 28. It will be an exciting end to the week.
Sri Lanka could not capitalize on the opportunities
At the match, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to play first. Finn Allen gave the Black Caps an explosive start that evening, scoring 23 from 13 deliveries before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana. Tim Seifert was more of an anchorer who played run-and-gun. The latter couldn’t score much with 8 out of 9 balls.
Rachin Ravindra took some control in the middle overs, scoring 32 off 22 balls, and was back in the pavilion, with Theekshana taking his second wicket of the match. New Zealand were reduced from 83/4 to 84/6, losing three wickets in one run.
At one point, 120 runs seemed impossible for the Kiwis. However, captain Mitchell Santner took matters into his own hands and scored 47 off 26 deliveries, hitting four sixes and two fours in his explosive innings. He was supported by Cole McConchie, who remained unbeaten with 31 off 23 balls, scoring 168/7 in 20 overs.
Rachin Ravindra’s all-round show seals the match
Sri Lanka came out in the hunt and lost the in-form Pathum Nissanka in the very first ball of the second innings. They were reduced to 46/5 within 10 overs and were able to lose wickets at regular intervals. Kamindu Mendis was the highest scorer with 31 runs for the co-hosts.
Sri Lanka finished with a score of 107/8 in their 20 overs. Rachin Ravindra was the bowlers’ choice for the Black Caps as the all-rounder picked 4/27 in his four-over spell. He was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Also read: Watch: Matt Heney clears Pathum Nissanka with an unplayable delivery
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