NEW DELHI: After breaking a four-match losing streak against Sri Lanka in their last round-robin clash, New Zealand's paceman Lockie Ferguson expressed confidence as they likely head into a World Cup semi-final against India. The crushing five-wicket victory on Thursday has positioned the Black Caps well, with Pakistan and Afghanistan now requiring miraculous wins to displace them from the semi-finals.
"We've had some tight games and some tight losses over the last few weeks, but certainly within the camp, there's a lot of confidence in the type of cricket we play," stated Ferguson after the match.
"We know that if we play the way we want to play, we'll come out on the right side of the draw. We'll see what happens in the last few games... hopefully, we'll have a couple more pushes."
Ferguson, who missed two of New Zealand's previous defeats due to an Achilles injury, made a fiery return with figures of 2-35 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The bowlers played a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka to 171, with Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Mitch Santner, and Rachin Ravindra contributing to the comprehensive bowling performance.
"Throughout the World Cup, the bowling attacks that have done well have passed the baton to the next bowler," added Ferguson. "The more you build the pressure, eventually something will happen, and today, we got some treats for some really good bowling."
1/10:New Zealand edge closer to semifinal with clinical win over Sri Lanka
<p>Read more on TOI Sports<br /></p>AFP
2/10:FIERY BOULT
<p>Fast bowler Trent Boult picked up 3-37 as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in Bengaluru to edge closer to the last remaining semifinal spot at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.<br /></p>AFP
3/10:SUPER BOULT
<p>Boult roared back to form at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 171 in 46.4 overs after being put into bat.<br /></p>AFP
4/10:SUPERB BOWLING
<p>Fit-again paceman Lockie Ferguson claimed 2-35 in 10 overs, including two maidens, while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner bagged 2-22 as the Black Caps made easy work of a must-win game.<br /></p>Reuters
5/10:BIG WIN
<p>In reply, New Zealand hurried to 172-5 in 23.2 overs thanks to Devon Conway (45), Rachin Ravindra (42) and Daryl Mitchell (43).<br /></p>TIMESOFINDIA.COM
6/10:KIWIS ARE FOURTH
<p>The victory means New Zealand are fourth with 10 points from nine games and a net run-rate of plus-0.743. <br /></p>ANI
7/10:BIG WINNING MARGIN
<p>The big winning margin, especially chasing down the total with 26.4 overs to spare, virtually eliminates Afghanistan, who have a net run-rate of minus-0.338. <br /></p>PTI
8/10:HUMONGOUS TASK
<p>Pakistan need another big winning margin against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata to enter the semis.<br /></p>AFP
9/10:THE SEMIFINALISTS
<p>India, South Africa and Australia have already qualified for the knockout stages as the top three sides in the table. <br /></p>IANS
10/10:INDIA LIKELY TO FACE NZ
<p>New Zealand seem likely to face hosts India in the first semi in Mumbai on Nov. 15 while South Africa play Australia in the second semi in Kolkata on Nov. 16.<br /></p>PTIReflecting on New Zealand's journey in the tournament, Ferguson highlighted the importance of building pressure and acknowledged the success of Boult and Southee in taking early wickets.
New Zealand, having reached the final of the last two World Cups and beating India to reach the title-decider in 2019, are on track for another semi-final appearance. Ferguson expressed confidence in his fitness to contribute to the team's success, noting that the injury had been just "niggly" enough to affect his bowling quota in previous matches but that hard work in the gym had paid off.
"Stoked to get out there and get through 10 overs today and get a couple of treats as well," concluded the 32-year-old paceman.
The confirmation of New Zealand's place in the semi-finals for the fourth straight World Cup is likely, setting the stage for an exciting clash against India.
(With inputs from Reuters)
