Picture : ICC/ X
Needing a win desperately to strengthen their semi-final chances, New Zealand came out with a mission and outclassed Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in a CWC23 encounter at Bengaluru.. The win also lifted their net- run- rate.
Earlier, New Zealand Skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl first . And his bowlers responded well by ripping through the Sri Lankan batting line- up . Sri Lanka lost opener Pathum Nissanka early for 2 . Skipper Kusal Mendis ( 6), , Sadeera Samarawickrama ( 1), Charith Asalanka ( 8). Angelo Mathews ( 16), Dhananjaya de Silva ( 19), Chamika Karunaratne ( 6). Kusal Perera played well for his 58 ( 28 balls 9 fours 2 sixes). Towards the end Maheesh Theekshana not out 39 ( 91 balls, 3 fours), Dilshan Madushanka ( 19) saw Sri Lanka finish at 171/ 10 in 46. 4 overs.
For The Kiwis Trent Boult was impressive with 3/ 37 ( 10 overs), Tim Southee 1/ 52 ( 8 overs), Lockie Ferguson 2/ 35 ( 10 overs), Mitchell Santner 2/ 22 ( 10 overs), Rachin Ravindra 2/ 22( 7. 4 overs), Glenn Phillips 0/ 3 ( 1 over)
In reply the Kiwis were quick off the block . Openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra gave them a solid start putting on 86 for the first wicket. Devon Conway 45 ( 42 balls, 9 fours), Ravindra 42 ( 34 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes). Skipper Kane Williamson was out for 14. in- form Daryl Mitchell scored a quick 43 ( 31 balls, 5 fours 2 sixes), Mark Chapman was run-out for 7.
Glenn Phillips not out 17 and Tom latham not out 2 saw the Kiwis home without losing any further wicket. New Zealand romped home to reach 172/ 5 in 23. 2 overs.
Sri Lanka bowlers tried but they did not have enough runs on the board . Dilshan Madushanka 0/ 58 ( 6. 2 overs), Maheesh Theekshana 1/ 43 ( 7 overs), Dhananjaya de Silva 0/ 22 ( 2 overs), Dushmantha Chameera 1/ 20 ( 4 overs), Angelo Mathews 2/ 29 ( 4 overs)
New Zealand (NRR: +0.743) now have 10 points after completing their league engagements and will in all likelihood join India, Australia and South Africa in the last four stage, unless Pakistan or Afghanistan, who are on eight points each, come up with something out of the ordinary in the remaining matches to deny Kiwis a slot in the semis .
Match: World Cup 2023, 41st Match
Venue: Bengaluru | Date: November 09, 2023
