New Zealand move closer to T20 World Cup semi-finals after Ireland win
New Zealand move closer to securing a spot in the T20 World Cup semi-final after win over Ireland despite brilliant hat-trick by Josh Little… with their 35-run victory meaning they will now likely top their Super 12s group
- New Zealand moved a step closer to the semi-finals after beating Ireland
- The Black Caps restricted Ireland to 150-9 and will likely top their group
- Only freakish margins of victories in two matches could deprive them top spot
New Zealand are all-but assured of a T20 World Cup semi-final spot after overcoming Ireland despite a sensational hat-trick from Josh Little.
The Black Caps’ 35-run win in Adelaide likely means they will top their Super 12s group as, while England and Australia may yet equal their seven points, the Kiwis have a far superior net run-rate.
Only freakish margins of victory in both Australia-Afghanistan later on Friday and England-Sri Lanka on Saturday could deprive New Zealand of a spot in the last four, but they were given a test by Ireland.
New Zealand moved a step closer to the semi-finals after a 35-run victory against Ireland
The Black Caps restricted their opponents to 150-9 and will now likely top their group
Josh Little claimed a hat-trick by dismissing Kane Williamson, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner
Kane Williamson found some fluency at the crease and top-scored with 61 off 35 balls but New Zealand were pegged back towards the end of their innings by some fine death bowling, most notably from Little.
The left-arm seamer snared Williamson when the New Zealand captain miscued a pull to deep backward-square leg before pinning both Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner in front off the next two balls.
The trio of wickets in the penultimate over halted New Zealand’s charge to a 200-plus score as they settled for 185 for six and there may have been minor alarm as Ireland started the chase well.
Kane Williams top-scored with 61 but New Zealand were pegged back towards end of innings
Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie put on 68 in eight overs before the latter dragged on to his stumps off slow left-armer Santner before fellow spinner Ish Sodhi’s googly did for the other Irish opener.
Santner and Sodhi kept a check on Ireland’s scoring and took another wicket apiece while Lockie Ferguson finished with three for 22 as New Zealand cruised from that point on.
Tim Southee also chipped in with a couple of wickets as Ireland finished on 150 for nine.
Ireland have had a memorable past few weeks, with wins over the West Indies and England, but they will finish outside the top four of the group, meaning they may have to qualify for the 2024 tournament.
Paul Stirling (left) and Andy Balbirnie put on 68 in eight overs against New Zealand
Santner (pictured) and Ish Sodhi kept a check on Ireland’s scoring during Friday’s match
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