T20 World Cup: India out of contention for semi-final berth as New Zealand beat Afghanistan

Nov 07, 2021 06:35 PM IST

India will now play their final group game, against Namibia on Monday.

It's all but over for the Indian team. The pre-tournament favourites have been knocked out of the race to the semi-final of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE after New Zealand beat Afghanistan by eight wickets in Abu Dhabi to join Pakistan in the knockouts.

India's Rohit Sharma talks to captain Virat Kohli after the fall of Zealand's Martin Guptill wicket during the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup match between New Zealand and India in Dubai, UAE, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021(AP)
India's Rohit Sharma talks to captain Virat Kohli after the fall of Zealand's Martin Guptill wicket during the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup match between New Zealand and India in Dubai, UAE, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021(AP)

This is the third time New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals of a T20 World Cup having earlier reached the stage in 2007 and 2016. India, on the other hand, have now failed to reach the semis for the fourth time.

The semi-final fate of three teams depended on the Sunday game at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. With three wins in four games, New Zealand needed nothing more than a win to qualify for the knockouts. Afghanistan, standing fourth in the table (ahead of the game) with four points, also needed a win, but stay in contention for the semis while expecting other results to fall in place.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan Updates, T20 World Cup: Follow Match Highlights

India were the third side, who had their hopes pinned on their neighbours to beat New Zealand to keep their semi-final hopes alive. 

They began their campaign with defeats against arch-rivals Pakistan, by a thumping eight wickets, and against New Zealand, by five wickets. But resounding victories of eight wickets, against both Afghanistan and Scotland, helped India keep their hopes alive.

However, with New Zealand winning their respective group games, India's fate depended completely on the Afghans to pull off the win in Abu Dhabi. 

India will now play their final group game, against Namibia on Monday.

With the win, New Zealand now have the chance to go top of the table in Group 2 if Pakistan lose to Scotland in the second game on Sunday in Sharjah. 

Catch all the Latest Cricket News and Live score along with IPL 2023 and IPL schedule related updates on Hindustan Times
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
×
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
My Offers
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, June 01, 2023
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Register Free and get Exciting Deals