In a resounding return to form, New Zealand clinched a decisive victory against Sri Lanka by five wickets at the esteemed M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday. This triumph, following a four-match slump, virtually ensures New Zealand’s coveted spot in the World Cup semi-finals.
The opening batsmen, Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42), propelled New Zealand’s chase of 172 with an impressive start. Daryl Mitchell’s contribution (43) brought them close to victory, ultimately crossing the finish line in just 23.2 overs.
This pivotal win positions New Zealand at 10 points, firmly establishing them as front-runners for the last semi-final spot alongside India, South Africa, and Australia. Pakistan now faces the daunting task of defeating England by a substantial margin to surpass New Zealand on net run rate.
On the bowling front, seamer Trent Boult and off-spinner Mitchell Santner delivered crucial blows, restricting Sri Lanka to a modest 171 all out. Despite an early blitz by Kusal Perera (51) and a resilient effort by Maheesh Theekshana (38 not out) towards the end, Sri Lanka faltered.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s strategic decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off handsomely. Early breakthroughs by Boult (3-37) and Tim Southee (1-52) dismantled the Sri Lankan top order, leaving them reeling at 32-3 within five overs.
Perera, who received a lifeline when dropped on zero by Tom Latham, retaliated with a scintillating 22-ball fifty. However, Boult’s dismissal of Charith Asalanka and a well-timed strike by a fit-again Lockie Ferguson (2-35) added pressure. Sri Lanka crumbled to 70-5 and eventually folded in the 47th over, with Santner (2-22) and Ravindra (2-21) contributing to the demolition.
Santner, in particular, played a pivotal role during a critical phase of the innings, dismissing Angelo Mathews (16) and Dhananjaya de Silva (19). Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka (19) staged a resilient 10th-wicket stand, frustrating New Zealand before succumbing to a total of 171.
