New Zealand are assured of a T20 World Cup semi-final spot after overcoming Ireland despite a sensational hat-trick from Josh Little. The Black Caps’ 35-run victory in Adelaide likely means they will top their Super 12s group even though Australia moved level with them on seven points after defeating Afghanistan later in the day. Australia will finish behind their Trans-Tasman rivals on net run-rate and only England can now catch the Kiwis – although that involves Jos Buttler’s side beating Sri Lanka by a freakish margin. The left-arm seamer snared Williamson when the New Zealand captain miscued a pull to deep backward-square leg before pinning both Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner in front off the next two balls. Tim Southee also chipped in with a couple of wickets as Ireland finished on 150 for nine.

Source: The Herald November 04, 2022 08:07 UTC