New Zealand, the runner-up of the previous World Cup, started their mission in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 with four consecutive wins. But They lost the track in the middle of the tournament and lost the following four matches in a row, which put them at high risk in the World Cup. As a result, the Black Caps had no alternatives to win against Sri Lanka today at Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, they dominated the Lankans and secured a comfortable victory by five wickets. This much-needed win almost confirms their place in the semifinal.
Match Report
Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, won the toss and opted to bowl first against Sri Lanka in a do-or-die match. So Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera came off the crease to start the batting innings for Sri Lanka. But New Zealand’s pacers maintained a very strict bowling line from the start of the game and picked up an early wicket. Sri Lanka lost their first wicket in just the second over as Tim Southee took the wicket of Pathum Nissanka.
Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis seemed to be making a partnership. But Kusal Mendis failed to stay longer on the pitch. He lost his wicket to Trent Boult in the 5th over, making a small partnership of 27 runs with Perera. Trent Boult had an excellent spell today and got another wicket, Samarawickrama, in the same over.
Losing three batsmen in just 32 runs, Sri Lanka were under tremendous pressure. Although opener Kusal Perera fought hard, the other batters had come and gone against New Zealand. Kusal Perera didn’t stop hitting while his partners failed to contribute much. Perera smashed a quick half-century and was heading towards a big score, but Lockie Ferguson stopped him in the 10th over. However, Kusal Perera scored an aggressive 51 off 28 before leaving the crease, which is also the highest individual score for the Lankans in this match.
But due to the aggression of New Zealand’s bowler, Sri Lanka lost all their wickets in just 171 runs. Trent Boult got three wickets, while Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, and Rachine Ravindra got two wickets each.
Chasing the target, New Zealand had a decent partnership thanks to Devon Conway and Rachine Ravindra. Together they picked up 86 runs on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, both openers failed to score fifties despite getting closer to it. Conway lost his wicket to Dushmantha Chameera, scoring 45 off 42. A few moments later, Rachine Ravindra also followed the same path. He departed the crease with 42 runs.
Captain Kane Williamson also failed to contribute much to the team. But Daryll Mitchel played a vital role in the 4th wicket. He added 43 runs on the scoreboard, which put New Zealand closer to the target. After that, Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham successfully chased the remaining runs. Phillips was unbeaten in 17 runs to seal the victory by five wickets.
This win over Sri Lanka almost confirms New Zealand’s spot in the semifinal. Theoretically, Pakistan would qualify for the semifinal if only they could beat England within three overs, which is quite impossible. As a result, New Zealand can take preparation for the semifinal, where they will most probably face off against South Africa.
