In the 41st match of the ICC World Cup 2023 between Nz vs Sl at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India. New Zealand not only won their 5th game but is likely to name their place in the semi-finals.
This win places the Black Caps on the brink of entering the tournament’s semi-finals.
See ICC World Cup Points Table 2023 Update
Facing a target of 172 runs, New Zealand’s batters, led by Devon Conway’s explosive start with 45 runs off 42 balls, displayed a formidable performance.
Rachin Ravindra contributed 42 runs, and despite losing key players like Kane Williamson and Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell’s 43 off 31 balls added stability to the chase. Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham then guided New Zealand to victory in 23.2 overs.
This significant win not only positions New Zealand favorably for a spot in the World Cup semi-final but also improves their net run rate (NRR) to 0.743.
Sri Lanka, batting first, faced early setbacks with their top three players dismissed in 4.4 overs.
Kusal Perera fought back with an aggressive knock, scoring 51 off 28 balls, but lacked support from the rest of the team. Despite brief stability from Angelo Mathews and Dhanajaya de Silva, Sri Lanka found themselves struggling at 128-9.
The resilient partnership between Mahesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madhushanka helped Sri Lanka reach a total of 171 runs before being bowled out.
New Zealand’s bowlers, including Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, displayed an all-around effort, with Tim Southee also contributing a wicket to restrict Sri Lanka’s innings.