Josh Little’s hat-trick overshadowed Kane Williamson’s return to form as New Zealand defeated Ireland by 35 runs in Adelaide on Friday to advance to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
After it became clear that Australia would not be able to overtake their NRR, New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals.
Australia, on the other hand, is in danger of being eliminated despite defeating Afghanistan, as only a Sri Lanka victory over England tomorrow will see them through.
Of course, Australia needed a win to stay alive, which they eventually did by 4 runs after surviving an Afghanistan scare, but because they ended their innings on 168, the Aussies fell just a little behind and will now have to wait for the outcome of England vs Sri Lanka on Saturday to find out their fate. Australia’s victory also ensured that Sri Lanka is out, as another win would only bring them to six points, while Australia already has seven. Following Australia’s intervention in Afghanistan, here is how Group 2 Points Table stands. With 7 points, New Zealand are on top, followed by Australia, also on 7 points. England are placed third with 5 points, while Sri Lanka have 4 points.