The match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was crucial for the former, as it provided them with an opportunity to guarantee their place in the semi-finals.

On Thursday, November 9, at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, New Zealand decisively defeated the team captained by Kusal Mendis, doing full credit to the circumstances.

Speaking about the game, the Black Caps bowled out the opposition for a pitiful 171 after a ferocious display from their bowling unit. The two most effective bowlers with the ball were Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, who combined for five wickets.

The team got off to a wonderful start thanks to Kusal Perera, but as the wickets started dropping, it quickly turned into despair.

In reply, with five wickets and 26.4 overs remaining, New Zealand managed to chase down the target in just 23.2 overs. Angelo Mathews picked up a couple of wickets and a run-out at the non-striker's end. With an 86-run partnership, openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra set the stage for success. With two vital points secured, the Kane Williamson-led team has now won five games in the competition.