New Zealand set to take final spot in World Cup semi-finals after beating Sri Lanka; Pakistan and Afghanistan nonetheless mathematically in combine however have to win ultimate video games by large margins; watch Afghanistan vs South Africa reside on Sky Sports from 8am Friday (8.30am first ball)

New Zealand are all however within the Cricket World Cup semi-finals after a quick-fire five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Bangalore.

The Black Caps completed their group marketing campaign on 10 factors from 9 video games after snapping a four-match shedding streak with a routine victory, skittling Sri Lanka for 171 earlier than reaching their goal with 160 balls to spare to considerably enhance their web run-rate.

New Zealand sit fourth within the desk and though they could possibly be joined on 10 factors by Afghanistan and Pakistan, each side will want remarkably massive wins to overtake the Kiwis’ run-rate of +0.743.

Afghanistan – whose present web run-rate of -0.338 means they’re virtually actually eradicated – face South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday earlier than Pakistan (+0.036) meet England in Kolkata a day later.

Unbeaten India have already secured prime spot within the standings and can face the fourth-placed staff within the first World Cup semi-final subsequent Wednesday, with South Africa and Australia to fulfill within the second on Thursday, forward of the ultimate on Sunday November 19.

New Zealand are India’s possible last-four opponents and if that match involves move then the hosts will face Black Caps batter Rachin Ravindra, whose knock of 42 in opposition to Sri Lanka means he’s now the main run-scorer within the event with 565 in 9 innings.

New Zealand snap shedding streak with essential win

New Zealand started their event with thumping wins over England, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan earlier than then shedding to India, Australia, South Africa and Pakistan, the final of these defeats coming in a rain-affected match.

Kane Williamson’s facet, crushed finalists within the final two 50-over World Cups, had been on type in opposition to Sri Lanka, although, dismissing their opponents in 46.4 overs as Boult bagged three wickets and Lockie Ferguson, Ravindra and Mitchell Santner took two apiece.

Sri Lanka had been 128-9 after 32.1 overs just for last-wicket pair Maheesh Theekshana (38no) and Dilshan Madushanka (19) to frustrate New Zealand with a stand of 43.

Boult struck twice within the fifth over, eradicating Kusal Mendis (6) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (1), after Tim Southee had dismissed Pathum Nissanka (2) within the second as soon as Williamson elected to bowl.

Kusal Perera (51 off 28) slammed a 22-ball fifty for Sri Lanka, whereas Angelo Mathews scored 16 – having made his solution to the crease briskly following his controversial timed-out dismissal in opposition to Bangladesh in a tempestuous game on Monday.

New Zealand openers Devon Conway (45) and Ravindra placed on 86 from 74 balls to interrupt the again of the chase, earlier than Daryl Mitchell (43) – who was at fault for the run out of Mark Chapman (7) – additionally contributed and Glenn Phillips (17no off 10) ended the competition two balls into the twenty fourth over following successive fours off Madushanka.

Sri Lanka’s seventh defeat in 9 video games leaves them ninth they usually now want favours from different groups to finish up within the prime eight on web run-rate and qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

What’s subsequent?

Afghanistan play South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday (8.30am UK time) needing an unlimited win to have any likelihood of leapfrogging New Zealand and shifting into fourth place. Build-up begins at 8am on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event.

Watch each match from the Cricket World Cup reside Sky Sports, together with the ultimate in Ahmedabad on Sunday November 19. Stream the tournament without a contract through NOW.