New Zealand reach semi-finals, knock out India, Afghanistan
New Zealand beat Afghanistan by eight wickets to book a place in the semi-finals of the Men's T20 World Cup 2021 and eliminate both India and Afghanistan. They joined Pakistan from Group 2, and will meet England in the first semi-final on 10 November, in Abu Dhabi.
Opting to bat, Afghanistan struggled to reach 124/8. Najibullah Zadran struck 73 off 48 balls, but received little support. Trent Boult returned 3-17 and Tim Southee 2-24.
In reply, Daryl Mitchell (17) and Martin Guptill (28) gave New Zealand a steady start before Kane Williamson (40*) and Devon Conway (36*) eased their side to victory with 11 balls to spare.
Roy to be accessed leg injury
Jason Roy had to scan his left leg after suffering a calf injury in England's 10-run defeat by South Africa in the T20 World Cup on 6 November. Roy left in tears after retiring hurt on 20, and had to be helped from the field following the injury. He was seen on crutches after the match.
The results are expected on tomorrow on the injury. If he indeed misses the knockouts, England may bring in James Vince or Sam Billings as his replacement.
West Indies, Sri Lanka miss out Super 12s for T20 World Cup next year
West Indies will have to play the qualifying rounds in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 after losing to Australia in their final match of the ongoing edition. They are currently ranked 10th in the T20I rankings, and will be joined by ninth-ranked Sri Lanka in the first round.
Bangladesh, who lost all their matches in the Super 12s, moved up to the eighth spot in the latest rankings due to their home series victories against Australia and New Zealand a month ago. They directly qualified for the next edition, to be held in Australia. Afghanistan, too, have earned a direct entry for the Super 12s.
Pakistan remain unbeaten, to face Australia in semi-final
Pakistan completed their sweep in the Super 12s of the T20 World Cup with a 72-run thrashing of Scotland. They piled 189/4 after opting to bat, and restricted Scotland to 117/6.
Shoaib Malik was the star of the evening. He smashed the fastest fifty (54* in 18 balls) for Pakistan in T20 World Cups after Babar Azam (66) set the tone. In reply, Richie Berrington remained not out on 54, but received little support, as Scotland crawled to a paltry total. Shadab Khan returned 2-14 and Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-24.
Pakistan will now face Australia in the second semi-final on 11 November, in Dubai.