With a 35-run victory over Ireland, New Zealand moved closer to a semi-final spot in the Men’s T20 World Cup.
They limited Ireland to 150-9, with Lockie Ferguson taking 3-22 and spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi taking 2-26 and 2-31 respectively.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Shadab Khan Smashed 52 From 22 Balls For Pakistan To Beat India
Kane Williamson top-scored for New Zealand with 61 off 35 balls as they posted 185-6, while Josh Little hit a hat-trick for Ireland in the 19th over.
The Kiwis lead Group 1 with seven points after having played all of their games.
They are not guaranteed passage at this stage, however, because Australia, which plays Afghanistan on Friday, and England, which plays Sri Lanka on Saturday, can overtake them on net run-rate if those games are won.
However, with New Zealand’s net run-rate far superior, they are more likely to advance as group winners.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Things Looking Bad For Zimbabwe In T20 After Netherlands Defeat
Sri Lanka can also make the semi-finals. Afghanistan must first defeat Australia. In that case, a win over England would send them through as runners-up to New Zealand.
Ireland is now officially out of the competition and will finish fifth or sixth in the group, depending on the outcome of Afghanistan’s final game.
