• Kane Williamson half-century and a barrage of spin bowling propelled New Zealand to a 35-run victory over Ireland
• New Zealand’s batsmen put up a commanding 185 for six before the Black Caps’ bowlers held the Irish to 150 for nine
• After Ireland’s pursuit failed, pacemaker Lockie Ferguson finished with a frugal 3-22

At the Adelaide Oval on Friday, a Kane Williamson half-century and a barrage of spin bowling propelled New Zealand to a 35-run victory over Ireland, almost securing their spot in the T20 World Cup semifinals.

After Ireland decided to field, New Zealand’s batsmen put up a commanding 185 for six before the Black Caps’ bowlers held the Irish to 150 for nine.

With seven points and a significant run-rate advantage over second-placed England and third-placed Australia after the victory, Williamson’s team clinched first place in Group 1.

The outcome of the Australia-Afghanistan game at the same location will almost definitely determine whether New Zealand will advance to the semifinals later on Friday.

Although Australia can tie New Zealand for the lead with seven points thanks to a higher net run rate, doing so would require an extraordinarily large margin of victory.

Despite being eliminated from the World Cup, Ireland leaves with pride after a strong competition that was highlighted by paceman Josh Little’s brilliant hat-trick.

Left-armer Little first caught the skipper Williamson for 61, then bowled Mitchell Santner and James Neesham for no runs in the 19th over to complete Ireland’s second hat-trick in T20 internationals.

However, Williamson and middle order batsman Daryl Mitchell had already caused damage (31 not out).

Ireland had a chance thanks to Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie, but left-arm spinner Santner ended it when he got Balbirnie to chop onto his stumps, ending the 68-run partnership.

The Irish innings was then completely destroyed by Santner and legspinner Ish Sodhi, who each took two wickets in the top order.

Williamson remarked, “We knew the spin would really come into the game and they bowled beautifully well,”

“A good team effort, really.”

After Ireland’s pursuit failed, pacemaker Lockie Ferguson finished with a frugal 3-22.

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The 8th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is set to be the biggest and the best yet, with 16 teams playing 45 matches in seven Australian cities between 16 October and 13 November.

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