New Zealand beats Pakistan, qualifies for semifinals

Ish Sodhi celebrates a wicket with Kane Williamson, New Zealand v Pakistan, World T20 2016, Group 2, Mohali, March 22, 2016 ©IDIGetty Images
Ish Sodhi celebrates a wicket with Kane Williamson, New Zealand v Pakistan, World T20 2016, Group 2, Mohali, March 22, 2016 ©IDIGetty Images
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Mohali, (AP/UNB) – New Zealand stormed into the semifinals of World Twenty20 after it defeated Pakistan by 22 runs and registered its third successive victory in Group 2 on Tuesday. Martin Guptill scored 80 off 48 balls in New Zealand’s total of 180-5 and also took three catches as Pakistan wasted Sharjeel Khan’s rollicking start to be restricted at 158-5. Pakistan never got its momentum back after Khan hit 47 off 25 balls in a strong start of 65 before he was dismissed in the sixth over. Fast bowler Adam Milne (2-26) and left-arm spinner Martin Santner (2-29) led the New Zealand attack with two wickets each. New Zealand has already beaten tournament favorites India and Australia while Pakistan has just two points from its victory over Bangladesh after also losing to India.

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