New Zealand strengthened their chances of reaching the Men's T20 World Cup semi-finals and eliminated Namibia with a 52-run win in Sharjah.
The Black Caps are now second in Group 2 and will go through with victory over Afghanistan in their final group game on Sunday.
After an underwhelming start, a superb unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 76 off 36 balls between Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham carried the Kiwis to an imposing total of 163-4. Namibia started well before losing three wickets for just eight runs and, after key man David Wiese fell in the 15th over, they subsided to 111-7 off their 20 overs.
New Zealand are now two points clear of Afghanistan but their net run-rate, which determines who progresses if multiple teams finish equal on the same points, remains lower.
It means New Zealand must beat Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. India are still in contention, but must secure a big win over Scotland in Dubai later on Friday, hope Afghanistan beat New Zealand and then also heavily beat Namibia on Monday.
New Zealand came into the game with their fate already in their own hands, knowing two straight wins would see them join Pakistan in the semi-finals.
At 87-4 off 14 overs, having just lost captain Kane Williamson and Devon Conway in quick succession, they were at risk of posting a sub-par total.
But Phillips, who made 39 not out off 21 balls, and Neesham, who hit an unbeaten 35 off 23 balls, held their nerve, taking two overs to play themselves in before their counter-attack.
Chief scores
New Zealand: 163/4 in 20 overs (Phillips 39*, Neesham 35*)
Namibia: 111/7 in 20 overs (Van Lingen 25, Southee 2/15, Boult 2/20) (BBC)
0 comments:
Post a Comment