Colombo: New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by a huge margin of 61 runs in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup, making the semi-final journey extremely difficult for Pakistan.
In the Super 8 stage played in Colombo, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field. New Zealand scored 168 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.
Mitchell Santner and McCunchie were outstanding for the Kiwis by scoring 47 and 31 runs.
In response to the target, the Sri Lankan team could only score 107 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated overs. Thus, the Kiwis won by 61 runs.
After two consecutive defeats, the Sri Lankan team was out of the semi-final race and at the same time, it became even more difficult for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals.
After the victory against Sri Lanka, New Zealand’s run rate became plus 3.05, while Pakistan’s run rate is minus 0.46.
New Zealand will play their last match in the group against England on Friday, while Pakistan will play their last match against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
If New Zealand loses the match to England, Pakistan will still have some chance.
Even after New Zealand’s defeat by England, Pakistan will have to win the match against Sri Lanka by a large margin.
If New Zealand defeats England, Pakistan will be out of the semi-final race even before the Sri Lanka match.
It should be noted that England has already qualified for the semi-finals from this group.
