T20 World Cup: New Zealand becomes the first team to qualify for semi-finals

New Zealand has qualified for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. The Blackcaps qualify because Australia could not score 180+ runs in their match against Afghanistan and hence would not be able to overtake New Zealand on the net run rate. With only 168 runs, Australia can only finish with a net run rate of +1.877. On the other hand, New Zealand has a net run rate of +2.113.

As things currently stand, one team from Australia, Sri Lanka, or England would join New Zealand in qualifying for the Super 12 semi-finals from Group 1.

ALSO READ: Williamson helps New Zealand all but reach T20 World Cup semi-finals

Kane Williamson scored a quickfire half-century as New Zealand crushed Ireland by 35 runs on Friday. Williamson's 35-ball 61 drove New Zealand to 185-6, while their bowlers held Ireland to 150-9 to give New Zealand a seven-point lead in Group 1 after their last Super 12 encounter in Adelaide.

"An excellent team performance, which was required. We knew what Ireland could do; they have played some stunning cricket," said Williamson.

Despite a magnificent hat-trick by Ireland fast bowler Joshua Little, New Zealand dominated on a sunny afternoon, with the captain leading from the front, having failed to convert starts in the previous encounters.

After opting to bat, Finn Allen and Devon Conway began cautiously against a determined Irish bowling attack.

Allen smacked leg-spinner Gareth Delany, for three fours in the fourth over, including two on consecutive deliveries.