New Zealand move closer to securing a place in the T20 World Cup semi-final after beating Ireland despite Josh Little’s brilliant hat-trick… with their 35-run win meaning they now probably top their group. from Super 12
- New Zealand moved one step closer to the semi-finals after beating Ireland
- The Black Caps restricted Ireland to 150-9 and are likely to top their group
- Only abnormal winning margins in two matches could deprive them of top spot
New Zealand are all but assured of a place in the T20 World Cup semi-final after beating Ireland despite a sensational Josh Little hat-trick.
The Black Caps’ 35-run victory in Adelaide likely means they top their Super 12 group as, while England and Australia can still match their seven points, the Kiwis have a much higher net run rate.
Only extravagant margins of victory in both Australia-Afghanistan later on Friday and England-Sri Lanka on Saturday could deprive New Zealand of a place in the bottom four, but Ireland put them to the test.
New Zealand moved one step closer to the semi-finals after a 35-run victory against Ireland
The Black Caps held their opponents to 150-9 and now probably lead their pack.
Josh Little claimed a hat-trick by firing Kane Williamson, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner
Kane Williamson found some fluidity in the crease and went top-scoring on 61 from 35 balls, but New Zealand were held back towards the end of their innings by some fine deadly bowling, notably from Little.
The left-arm closer caught Williamson as the New Zealand captain missed a deep square-leg pull back before pinning Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner up front on the next two balls.
The trio of wickets in the penultimate over halted New Zealand’s charge to a score of over 200 when they settled for 185 for six and there may have been a minor alarm as Ireland started the chase well.
Kane Williams was the leading scorer with 61, but New Zealand fell behind late in the innings.
Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie scored 68 in eight overs before the latter dragged his stumps to the slow left arm Santner before fellow spinner Ish Sodhi’s googly did it for the other Irish opener.
Santner and Sodhi kept a check on Ireland’s score and took another wicket each, while Lockie Ferguson finished three for 22 as New Zealand sailed from then on.
Tim Southee also contributed a couple of wickets as Ireland finished at 150 for nine.
Ireland have had a memorable few weeks, with wins over the West Indies and England, but will finish outside the top four of the group, meaning they may need to qualify for the 2024 tournament.
Paul Stirling (left) and Andy Balbirnie went 68 in eight overs against New Zealand
Santner (pictured) and Ish Sodhi controlled Ireland’s scoring during Friday’s game.
