ADELAIDE: Last year’s runner-up, New Zealand, have become the first team to make their way to the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. In their last Super 12s fixture against Ireland, the Blackcaps sealed a resounding 35-run victory despite a rapid start from the Irish openers in the run chase.

Following their comfortable victory, Australia then needed to produce alike performance in their fixture against Afghanistan up next, in order to keep up with New Zealand’s net run rate. Consequently, the defending champions had to amass 185 runs against Afghanistan but they could manage to score 168/8 despite Glenn Maxwell’s quickfire half-century.

The Australian bowlers too failed to restrict the Afghan batting lineup to a paltry total and handed their team a narrow four-run triumph. Following New Zealand’s qualification, the Kane Williamson-led side can finish no less than second in Group 1 but could slip a spot if England hammer Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Australia, on the other hand, now want Sri Lanka to beat England to book a semi-final spot, while only a victory by any margin can power Jos Buttler’s side into the final four.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 05 2022

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