Sri Lanka Suffers Defeat New Zealand’s Strong Performance Nears Semifinal Spot
After a four-match slump, New Zealand revived their World Cup campaign with a five-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, virtually sealing their spot in the semi-finals. Openers Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42) set the stage for the chase of 172, and Daryl Mitchell’s contribution (43) brought them close before crossing the finish line in 23.2 overs. The victory propelled New Zealand to 10 points, positioning them as favorites for the last semi-final berth alongside India, South Africa, and Australia. Pakistan must now secure a significant win over England to surpass New Zealand on net run rate.
In the first innings, seamer Trent Boult (3-37) and off-spinner Mitchell Santner (2-22) delivered crucial blows as Sri Lanka struggled to 171 all out. Despite Kusal Perera’s blitz (51) and Maheesh Theekshana’s late resistance (38 not out), Sri Lanka faltered. New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson’s decision to bowl paid off, with early wickets from Boult and Tim Southee (1-52). Despite Perera’s aggressive fifty, Santner and Ravindra contributed to a Sri Lankan collapse. The 10th-wicket stand of 43 by Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka (19) frustrated New Zealand but was not enough to prevent a modest total.
