New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bowl first in overcast conditions. Tim Southee and Trent Boult tore apart the Sri Lankan top-order. Lockie Ferguson quickly got Kusal Perera after he launched a counterattack. During this onslaught, he reached Sri Lanka’s second-fastest World Cup fifty off 22 balls. Dhananjay Da Silva and Angelo Mathews made some partial promises, but Mitchell Santner tricked them with turn, flight and bounce.
The lower-order put up a fantastic battle to hold on even though New Zealand felt they might go for the dagger thanks to their pacers striking out early. For the last two wickets, the total was increased by 58 runs. Boult had a nice 3-wicket spell bowling brilliantly. Naturally, New Zealand are in an amazing position to win this game and increase their NRR even further.
New Zealand’s quick-fire victory puts one step in semi-final
It certainly wasn’t going to be difficult to pursue 172, especially with a batting deck. Towards the top of the order, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra were dominating, and once they got past the new ball, they had an 86-run partnership.
Even with the first wicket in hand, Sri Lanka had little chance of winning. Glenn Phillips sealed the deal when Daryl Mitchell entered and knocked many points off. To force a game, Sri Lanka required wickets early on, and they just could not get them.
Even though Dilshan Madushanka, who has been outstanding throughout the tournament, concluded without taking a wicket, New Zealand was never in danger. Eventually, five wickets fell.
Sri Lanka’s prospects of qualifying for the Champions Trophy are also dashed with that defeat. They will be cheering for Pakistan to thrash England badly in order to move them behind Sri Lanka, who would otherwise stay stuck in ninth position in the standings.
This was a convincing victory for New Zealand following a run of losses. Now that they’re back on course, they appear ready to go to the semifinals. Afghanistan and Pakistan must be disappointed after this game, who had undoubtedly been keeping an eye on this as well.
Fans react as New Zealand seal final league game victory over Sri Lanka in ODI World Cup 2023:
NEW ZEALAND DEFEATED SRI LANKA….!!!!
– They have "almost" sealed Semi-final spot. pic.twitter.com/GRlxYsy206
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 9, 2023
Finally i can die in peace
— Mahatma Gandhi (Parody) (@GandhiAOC) November 9, 2023
— Cric Freak (@Cric_X_Freak) November 9, 2023
Now i will support team india lets go ??
— U?AIR Ali ? (@UmairAL83912782) November 9, 2023
NEW ZEALAND HAVE ALMOST SEALED THEIR SEMI FINALS SPOT…!!!! pic.twitter.com/UAf0sXgdzX
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 9, 2023
2 main reasons for Pakistan failing to qualify for the semis:
1. Indian DJs not playing Dil Dil Pakistan
2.#QudratKaNizam 2.0 not happening after Kiwis thrashed Lanka.— Prantik (@Pran__07) November 9, 2023
So Pakistan have been thrown out of the World Cup.
Congratulations to the top 4 teams.
Meanwhile Babar needs to book asap for cheaper tickets to Karachi.??
— Vocal Canadian Desi (@VocalCanadaDesi) November 9, 2023
Finally Qualified #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/akog4PrKMs
— Unpadh (@Jakharr_R) November 9, 2023
Pakistan in every ICC Tournament:
Skills – 2%
Qudrat Ka Nizam -98% pic.twitter.com/SlpC5d9WwN— AP (@AksP009) November 9, 2023
PAKISTAN WILL DEFEAT ENGLAND WITH HUGE MARGIN
— Us+Man (@UsmanHere17) November 9, 2023
giving me flashbacks ? pic.twitter.com/MH4AAlKyII
— Aahil (@KulcheNihari) November 9, 2023
Chokers for a reason. Hope tey qualify. pic.twitter.com/Ol8SKUNqEP
— White knight ? (@santhoshtiger14) November 9, 2023
