New Zealand secured their place in the T20 World Cup semifinals with an eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan; Trent Boult won 3-17 while Afghanistan was limited to 124-8 before Kane Williamson made 40th in the chase; the result also means that India cannot qualify from Group 2
Kane Williamson was a picture of calm as he led New Zealand past Afghanistan and into the semi-finals.
New Zealand achieved an eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi to reserve its place in the T20 World Cup and eliminate pre-tournament favorites India.
The Black Caps entered the game knowing that victory would lead them to the last four and produced a consummate performance by restricting Afghanistan to 124-8, Trent Boult at 3-17 and Tim Southee at 2-24.
Kane Williamson (40th of 42 balls) then made sure there was no drama in the chase, sharing an unbroken 68-run partnership with Devon Conway (36th of 32) to bring him to the line with 11 balls remaining.
Unless Scotland can provide a surprising result and beat Pakistan in the second game on Sunday, New Zealand will now face England in Wednesday’s first semi-final in Abu Dhabi, and Australia will meet Pakistan in Dubai on Thursday for a place. in the end.
More to follow …
The endgame of the Super 12 sees India face Namibia in Dubai, as Virat Kohli intends to sign as captain of the T20 with a victory. The match is also Ravi Shastri’s last as head coach before Rahul Dravid takes over.
The T20 World Cup continues live on Sky Sports Cricket from 1.30 am on Monday. Watch India vs Namibia in Dubai with the two semi-finals to be held on Wednesday and Thursday.
