New Zealand move closer to securing a spot in the T20 World Cup semi-final after win over Ireland despite brilliant hat-trick by Josh Little… with their 35-run victory meaning they will now likely top their Super 12s group
- New Zealand moved a step closer to the semi-finals after beating Ireland
- The Black Caps restricted Ireland to 150-9 and will likely top their group
- Only freakish margins of victories in two matches could deprive them top spot
New Zealand are all-but assured of a T20 World Cup semi-final spot after overcoming Ireland despite a sensational hat-trick from Josh Little.
The Black Caps’ 35-run win in Adelaide likely means they will top their Super 12s group as, while England and Australia may yet equal their seven points, the Kiwis have a far superior net run-rate.
Only freakish margins of victory in both Australia-Afghanistan later on Friday and England-Sri Lanka on Saturday could deprive New Zealand of a spot in the last four, but they were given a test by Ireland.
New Zealand moved a step closer to the semi-finals after a 35-run victory against Ireland
The Black Caps restricted their opponents to 150-9 and will now likely top their group
Josh Little claimed a hat-trick by dismissing Kane Williamson, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner
Kane Williamson found some fluency at the crease and top-scored with 61 off 35 balls but New Zealand were pegged back towards the end of their innings by some fine death bowling, most notably from Little.
The left-arm seamer snared Williamson when the New Zealand captain miscued a pull to deep backward-square leg before pinning both Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner in front off the next two balls.
The trio of wickets in the penultimate over halted New Zealand’s charge…
Source : dailymail
