Abu Dhabi (UAE): New Zealand reached the Twenty20 World Cup semifinals with a comfortable eight-wicket win over Afghanistan on Sunday, a result that eliminated star-studded India from the tournament.
Chasing a modest 125, skipper Kane Williamson (40) and Devon Conway (36) put on an unbeaten stand of 68 to drive the team home in 18.1 overs in Abu Dhabi.
The Kiwis join Pakistan as the two teams in the semifinals from Group 2, leaving India’s final match against Namibia on Monday a dead rubber.
England and Australia have already made the semi-finals from Group 1.
“It was a strong performance,” said Williamson.
“We know how dangerous this Afghanistan side is. It was good for us to be able to set the tone with the ball, take wickets early and then keep them to below-par total. 150-155 would have been par.”
“There’s another strong challenge coming up. England are a very strong side,” said Williamson. “For us it is important we keep learning and building.”
Afghanistan had begun the match with slim qualifying hopes of their own but a poor start with the bat left them on the back foot on 19 for three.
Najibullah Zadran’s sparkling 73 inspired a revival but Trent Boult was exceptional once more with the ball, taking three for 17 to limit Afghanistan to 124 for eight.
And though New Zealand lost both openers in reply, Williamson and Conway – who finished unbeaten on 40 and 36 respectively – combined to steer their side home with a minimum of fuss and set up a semi-final with either England or Australia.
Afghanistan opted to bat upon winning the toss but saw both openers dismissed in quick succession as New Zealand’s fast bowlers gained an early stranglehold.
