New Zealand beat Afghanistan to knock India out

BBC

Published: November 7, 2021, 09:01 PM

New Zealand beat Afghanistan to knock India out

New Zealand clinically beat Afghanistan by eight wickets to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Men's T20 World Cup and eliminate pre-tournament favourites India.

The Black Caps join Pakistan in progressing from Group 2 and will likely meet England in the last four.

They were exceptional in the field, holding Afghanistan, who needed a win to maintain their own slim hopes, to 124-8.

Najibullah Zadran hit 73 from 48 balls but Trent Boult took 3-17 and the New Zealand fielders held onto three superb catches.

Although Daryl Mitchell fell for 17 and Martin Guptill 28, captain Kane Williamson hit a typically calm 40 not out as his side eased to victory with 11 balls to spare.

The win puts New Zealand top of the group table but unbeaten Pakistan would retake the position with victory over Scotland in their final group game, which begins at 14:00 GMT in Sharjah.

India, who required an Afghanistan victory to stay in contention after defeats in their opening two games, are eliminated before their final match against Namibia on Monday.

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