COLOMBO: In the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by a comprehensive 61 run margin making Pakistan’s journey to the semi finals increasingly difficult.

In Colombo Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field. New Zealand posted a competitive total of 168 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Key contributions came from Mitchell Santner who scored 47 and Michael McConchie who added 31 runs.

Chasing 169 the Sri Lankan side managed only 107 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted overs, giving New Zealand a dominant 61 run victory. With this consecutive defeat Sri Lanka has been eliminated from semi-final contention while Pakistan now faces an uphill battle to qualify.

Following the win New Zealand’s net run rate improved to +3.05, whereas Pakistan’s stands at -0.46. New Zealand will face England in their final group match on Friday while Pakistan will play Sri Lanka on Saturday.

If New Zealand loses to England Pakistan still has a slim chance to advance but a loss by New Zealand would effectively end Pakistan’s hopes even before their last match. The outcome leaves Pakistan reliant on both their own performance and other results to reach the semi finals.