BENGALURU: : During their pre-match warmup routines, a few New Zealand and Sri Lanka players looked at the skies. With the threat of rain and hovering clouds, their actions did not come as a surprise. It was only around the toss time that the sun made its first real appearance at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday.
Kane Williamson called it right, and his decision to bowl first paid dividends. Seasoned pacer Trent Boult (3-37), who became the first New Zealander to take 50 wickets in the World Cups, led from the front to skittle Sri Lanka for 171 runs. The Black Caps, who had lost their last four matches, then reached the target in the 24th over to win by five wickets. They are now virtually assured of facing India in the semifinals while Sri Lanka’s hopes of Champions Trophy 2025 qualification now hangs in the balance.
