New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in 23.2 overs to almost confirm their place in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023. New Zealand’s win by a big margin has eliminated Pakistan and Afghanistan from the semi-final race.
Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl first in Bengaluru. The Island Nation was bowled out for 171 in 46.4 overs, with Trent Boult taking 4 wickets. Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson and Rachin Ravindra dismissed two batters each, respectively.
Kusal Perera hit the fastest fifty in the history of the ICC ODI World Cup. He reached the milestone in 22 balls. Overall, he accumulated 51 runs off 28 balls, laced with 9 fours 2 sixes.
New Zealand completed the chase easily. Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42) added 86 runs for the opening wicket. The remaining task was completed by other batters. It was New Zealand’s fifty win.