India crashed out of the semifinal’s race in the ICC Men’s T-20 Cricket World Cup, after New Zealand became the second team in Group-2 to book their spot in the final four following an eight-wicket win over Afghanistan yesterday. Pakistan has already entered the semis and India’s hope of a semi-final berth was hanging by a thread of result of the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match.
A win for Afghanistan over New Zealand would have kept India alive in the race. However, the Virat Kohli-led side has one more game left in the tournament against Namibia today.
The match will take place at 7.30 p.m. at Dubai International Stadium. The result of the India-Namibia game will make no change in India’s fate in the ongoing tournament. This is also the first time since 2012 that India failed to make it to the semi-finals of any ICC event.
New Zealand yesterday defeated Afghanistan in their last group match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Chasing a total of 125 runs, New Zealand lost both the openers in the first 10 overs. but an unbeaten 68-run partnership between Skipper Kane Williamson and Devon Conway guided New Zealand to victory.
In another match, Pakistan thrashed Scotland by 72 runs in their final Super-12 match in Group-2 at Sharjah last night. Chasing a target of 190 runs set by Pakistan, Scotland made 117 for six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.