Skipper Kane Williamson smashes 61 to guide Kiwis into semis

Kane Williamson celebrates his half-century against Ireland yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

New Zealand became the first team to enter the T20 World Cup semi-finals after skipper Kane Williamson led his side to a 35-run win over Ireland, here
on Friday.

Skipper Williamson got into the groove with a 35-ball 61 before the spinners foxed Ireland batters with their guile.

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Hat-trick for Joshua Little

New Zealand were on course for a 200-plus total before pacer Joshua Little picked up a memorable hat-trick to limit them to 185 for six. The Black Caps spinners Ish Sodhi (2-26) and Mitchell Santer (2-29) stifled Ireland, who ended at 150-9. Pacer Lockie Ferguson picked up three wickets.

New Zealand's qualification to knockout stage was assured after Australia could manage just 168-8 against Afghanistan while it needed to win the match by a comprehensive 185-run margin to beat the Black Caps on net run-rate.

Ireland failed to advance to the semi-finals, but can hold their head high after a memorable campaign that included wins against the West Indies and England.

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Solid opening stand

Paul Stirling (37) and captain Andrew Balbirnie (30) kept Ireland in the game with a 68-run stand off 49 balls for the opening wicket.

Brief scores
NZ 185-6 (K Williamson 61, F Allen 32, D Mitchell 31'; J Little 3-22, G Delany 2-30) beat Ireland 150-9 (P Stirling 37, A Balbirnie 30; L Ferguson 3-22, M Santner 2-26, T Southee 2-29, I Sodhi 2-31) by 35 runs

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