INDIA: With 172 runs to chase, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra got off to a great start, but the Black Caps lost five wickets in quick succession. However, New Zealand crushed Sri Lanka by 5 wickets, chasing it in 23.2 overs.
While batting second, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra provided the ideal beginning that the Black Caps required. Following the dismissal of the openers, Glenn Phillips secured New Zealand’s victory in just 23.2 overs, while Daryl Mitchell (43), who was also out, provided the ideal amount of pressure. Angelo Mathews grabbed two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera each claimed one wicket.
With 10 points from 9 games and a net run rate of (+)0.743, the Black Caps have moved closer to the semi-finals after this victory. They are in fourth place, and everything will depend on Pakistan’s performance on November 11 against England.
Pakistan would not only need to win this match, but they would also need to win it by a significant margin. If New Zealand makes it to the semi-finals, they will play India in Mumbai’s Wankhede on November 15. If Pakistan makes it, it will play India at Eden Gardens on November 16. The last-ball players in the Sri Lankan lineup held their ground admirably and helped the team reach a manageable total before the squad was all out for 171 runs.
Sri Lanka kept losing wickets because the team failed to form any partnerships. While Lockie Ferguson continued to dominate and use his pace to disrupt Sri Lankan batting, Mitchell Santner demonstrated the power of spin to secure two vital wickets.
Half of Sri Lanka’s batting order was in the dugout after Trent Boult claimed three wickets in the opening ten overs, with Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson taking one wicket apiece. Kusal Perera struck the fastest half-century in the history of the ICC World Cup 2023.
When compared with the previous meetings, there were 101 ODIs played between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. With 51 victories to Sri Lanka’s 41, New Zealand led the count. Eight games resulted in a draw, and one was tied. In March 2023, New Zealand won their most recent match by a margin of six wickets. New Zealand would hope to beat Pakistan and make it to the semifinals for the third consecutive World Cup.
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