New Zealand Women seal berth in 2016 World T20

New Zealand Women eased to six-wicket win against Sri Lanka Women in the qualification play-off in Sylhet, to book their place in the 2016 Women's World Twenty20.

The teams that finish in the top six at this World T20 automatically qualify for the next edition of the tournament; the four semi-finalists - Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies - are already through, while New Zealand take the fifth spot. India and Pakistan will play for the final berth later in the day. The teams that don't secure qualification here have to compete in a separate qualifying tournament, to make it to the 2016 showpiece event.

New Zealand chased down 132 without too much fuss to seal their spot. The chase was set up by two innings of 40-odd from opener Suzie Bates and No. 5 Rachel Priest, who remained unbeaten. Both batsmen were able to score quickly too, with Bates' 45 coming off 31 balls, and Priest's 42 off 32.

Sri Lanka's total of 131 for 7 was set up in similar manner, by knocks off 45 off 35 from Yasoda Mendis and 46 off 44 by Chamari Atapattu. However, New Zealand handled Sri Lanka's bowlers even better, to register the vital victory.