T20 World Cup: New Zealand’s first team to clinch semi-final spot | Cricket News

ADELAIDE: New Zealand on Friday became the first team to reach a semi-final in the T20 World Cup after Australia were restricted to 168-8 by Afghanistan in a crucial match.
After New Zealand beat Ireland by 35 runs in their final Super 12 group, defending champions Australia needed to beat Afghanistan by an improbable 185 runs to overtake the net run rate of their Trans-Tasman opponents.
However, the hosts scored 168 for 8 after being invited to bat by Afghanistan, paving the way for New Zealand to qualify for the knockout stage.

The win over Ireland saw New Zealand take the top spot with seven points and a net run rate of +2.113. England (5 points), who face Sri Lanka in their last super 12 match, are currently in second place with a run rate of +0.547.
Australia were placed third, also with five points, but with a run rate of -0.304. If they can restrict Afghanistan to 106 or below, they can get past England’s NRR.
New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, began their campaign in the T20 showpiece with a dominant 89-run win over Australia, before defeating Sri Lanka by 65 runs after a showdown against Afghanistan.
Their only defeat was against England by 20 runs at the Gabba in Brisbane.
New Zealand reached the final of the last edition, where they lost to Australia by eight wickets.