Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 41st Match at Bengaluru, World Cup 2023, Nov 09 2023 - Match Result

Right then. The scenarios for both Pakistan and Afghanistan are next to impossible. Afghanistan need to win by at least 438 runs to surpass New Zealand on NRR. Pakistan have to win by at least 287 or, assuming England are kept to 150, chase down the target in 3.4 overs. So you can gauge the task at hand. New Zealand are safe. But they are back to winning ways. Keep an eye out for reactions and features from this game. For now, that's all we have for you in this game. On behalf of our scorers and Madushka, this is Sudarshanan signing off. Take care, ciao!

8:03pm Time to hear from the captains.

Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka captain with assistant coach Naveen Naved helping translate: "First ten overs, we lost three-four wickets, hence we struggled with the bat. If we had a good partnership in the middle overs, we could have had 300+ on this wicket. Dilshan Madushanka bowled well, but since they were chasing a small total, it was difficult. [On taking captaincy over mid-tournament from Dasun Shanaka] I got the captaincy after two games. Quite enjoyed it. Disappointed with my own performance, but enjoyed the captaincy. Very happy to see a couple of young players putting their hands up to perform. They are our future."

Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain: "Really good performance... early wickets and spin was challenging. The wicket slowed down and the guys played with intent in the second half. We expected the first [pitch vs Pakistan] like that but were not sure. We thought there will be a bit of weather but there was none. We knew Sri Lanka can be strong. Perera was strong at the top but the wickets we picked up went a long way in restricting them. There was not much for the seamers but they kept it strong. Great to get our fifth and sixth spinners in the tournament. There's a few teams that could end up on similar points. Not in our control. We will be having a couple of days off, not sure what's happening. [Playing India] These things don't happen. Especially the back end being so close. Playing semis is special but playing the home team will be challenging. Looking forward to it if we are fortunate enough to have it."

7:53pm Trent Boult, Player of the Match: "Nice to get a bit of success at the top. A must-win game, the pleasure is about getting the result. [Personal form] It is a challenging part of the world opening the bowling. Nice to get a decent outing. Always the biggest challenge of coming here is different conditions. Conditions have changed throughout. [On playing India in semi] Everyone wants to a piece of the strong home nation. Looking forward to it."

Rachin Ravindra to Star Sports: "It's a pretty surreal feeling. Grateful for the support, especially playing in Bangalore. Crowd chanting my name is something I will never take for granted. Dreamt of it as a child. Very happy to be here, lucky enough it worked out. Six to 12 months ago, I was not even in the frame. Good to get the job done and get into the playoffs. [On taking the catch to give Ajaz Patel his Test ten-for] It was a nervy moment in my career. Lucky to have taken the catch. I don't have the ball. Lucky enough to have come year in my teenage years on club tours. That has helped me a lot. Nice wickets to bat on. If you play positive cricket, you get rewarded. The guys have adapted well. You talk to Kane, Devon, who are legends. [On stepping in Williamson's shoes at the start of the World Cup] It's a funny one. I have idolised Kane. I have idolised a lot like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root. But Kane... his leadership, on and off the field, just keeps it calm. When you are young, you take the game on, lucky to have come off."

7:48pm New Zealand now have one leg in the semi-final with ten points. Their positive NRR gives them a high chance of playing India in the semi-final in Mumbai. A chase of 172 was never going to trouble a line-up like New Zealand's. And Conway and Ravindra eliminated any semblance of hope that Sri Lanka would have had, with a rapid opening stand.

They added 86 inside 13 overs before Sri Lanka struck twice quickly. Mitchell then quelled any hope that Sri Lanka would have harboured. His 43 off just 31 balls included some breathtaking strokes. He should have finished the chase but it was not to be. Nothing much to write home about, regarding Sri Lanka's bowling.

Tom Latham is the next man in with New Zealand needing just ten

Waqas Ahmed: "I didn't get why Chapman is out, It should Daryl Mitchell who left his crease, is there any change of rule recently? " Mitchell crossed Chapman and made the crease at the striker's end before the stumps at the other end were broken

Hasan: "This pending comprehensive victory for NZ has all but finished Pakistan's hopes of qualifying. What kind of unlikely victory would PK require to overturn the mammoth NRR in their favour?" Just wait for our scenarios piece tonight :)