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'Key Players Finding Form..', Ex-ENG Captain Warns India As NZ Peaks Before Semi-Final

Aakash Saini

image-losh1zdwNew Zealand decimated Sri Lanka on Thursday [AP]

New Zealand snapped their four-match losing streak just at the right time as their emphatic five-wicket win over Sri Lanka helped them seal the fourth and final World Cup 2023 semi-final berth.

Senior paceman Tim Southee set the tone of New Zealand’s comeback to winning ways with an early wicket, while fellow speedster Trent Boult demolished the rest of Sri Lanka’s top-order with a three-wicket burst within the powerplay. Lockie Ferguson and spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra ran through the lower half to curtail the Sri Lankan innings inside 50 overs at 171.

Later in the run-chase, New Zealand openers Devon Conway, Ravindra and number four Daryl Mitchell all slapped thunderous 40s as the ‘Black Caps’ mowed down their task with more than 26 overs to spare, thus injecting themselves with a massive NRR-booster in their must-win game.

Former England captain and active commentator Michael Atherton hailed New Zealand’s collective team effort, and acknowledged them for effectively making sure of securing a top four finish.

Atherton issues NZ’s World Cup warning for others

While speaking on Star Sports, the official broadcasters of the 2023 World Cup, Michael Atherton praised New Zealand’s comprehensive win over Sri Lanka and described it a “perfect game” for the ‘Black Caps’.

“That was the perfect game for New Zealand when you think about it. You couldn't have asked for anything more tonight. Not only did they win, they won comfortably to up that net run rate, effectively sealing a semi-final place.”

Atherton also issued a stern New Zealand warning for other World Cup 2023 contenders, by acknowledging Trent Boult and Devon Conway’s return to form just before the knockouts. He added:

“Trent Boult picked up powerplay wickets and then Devon Conway came out in the second innings and looked in pretty good touch. So key players finding some form before the semi-finals.”

After routing Sri Lanka in their final league fixture, New Zealand captain Kane Willaimson claimed that his team will soon be getting back to training as they brace themselves for a potential World Cup 2023 semi-final showdown against hosts India.

The semi-final against Team India will likely take place on November 15 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.