New Zealand all but qualify for Cricket World Cup semi-finals with win over Sri Lanka

New Zealand have thrashed Sri Lanka by five wickets to all but secure their place in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals.

For large parts of Tuesday's fixture between Australia and Afghanistan, it appeared that the Black Caps would go into their final group fixture trailing the latter.

However, Glenn Maxwell's heroics kept New Zealand in fourth and with their destiny in their own hands, leaving them a big win over Sri Lanka away from sealing their place in the last four.

Throughout the fixture in Bengaluru, it was one-way traffic with Sri Lanka being bowled out for 171 before New Zealand reached their target after just 23.2 overs, albeit with five wickets down.

Although Kusal Perera scored 51 at the top of the innings for Sri Lanka, none of the other first eight batsmen contributed more than 19 as New Zealand's bowlers dominated.

A CRUCIAL wicket!

Perera is caught. ❌ pic.twitter.com/hMbfr3oLVM

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 9, 2023

Maheesh Theekshana (38*) and Dilshan Madushanka (19) put on 43 for the final wicket, with their stand lasting over 14 overs, but Sri Lanka were bowled out for 171 with 20 deliveries left.

Rachin Ravindra (2-21), Mitchell Santner (2-22), Lockie Ferguson (2-35) and Trent Boult (3-37) all impressed to set up their side for a routine run-chase.

Devon Conway scored 45 off 42 as he and Ravindra put on 86 runs for the first wicket off just 12.2 overs, and it left New Zealand in territory where they could throw caution to the wind.

Ravindra (42), Kane Williamson (14) and Daryl Mitchell (43) helped New Zealand on their way, with the victory never being in doubt despite falling to 145-4 after 20.3 overs.

Glenn Phillips landed the significant blows at the end, making 17 off 10, as New Zealand got over the line with a massive 160 balls to spare.

Even if Pakistan and Afghanistan beat England and South Africa respectively, it is highly unlikely that they will prevail by a large-enough margin to stop New Zealand squaring off against India in the semi-finals.