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Xtra Time Web Desk: A clinical performance from New Zealand saw them beat Afghanistan by 8 wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday to book a place in the semi-final of T20 World Cup 2021. The BlackCaps became the second team after Pakistan from Group 2 to qualify for the last four stage. It also meant favourites India were left disappointed of not making the semis. Afghanistan batting first after winning the toss could only manage 124/8. In reply BlackCaps chased the total (125/2) with 11 balls to spare.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson top scored with 40* (42) while Devon Conway was unbeaten on 37 from 33. The duo added unbeaten 68 runs for third wicket to guide the team home.

Chasing 125 runs to win, BlackCaps opener Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell gave the team a decent start. Guptill trying to slog sweep was bowled by Rashid Khan for 28(23). Daryl Mitchel was caught behind by Mohammad Shahzad off the bowling of Mujib ur Rahman for 17 (12).

Earlier New Zealand pacers, led by Trent Boult (3/17), dished out a clinical performance to restrict Afghanistan to 124 for 8 in their final Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup.

For Afghanistan Najibullah Zadran (73 off 48 balls) played a brilliant knock but had no support from his teammates. Zadran struck six fours and three sixes during his brilliant innings.

The Kiwi pace trio of Boult, Tim Southee (2/24) and Adam Milne (1/17) did not give anything away in the initial overs as the Afghan batters struggled to get going and fell in trying to force the pace of their innings. Ish Sodhi (1/13) and Jimmy Neesham (1/24) were the other New Zealand wicket-takers.