Cricket World Cup: New Zealand qualify for semi-finals

New Zealand were assured of a place in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals on Saturday after Pakistan failed to produce an extraordinary result during their concluding group game against England.

Pakistan, the 1992 champions, were required to beat England by 287 runs to secure their berth in the semi-finals at the Kiwis' expense on net run rate.

However, England batted first, closing off that avenue, and Pakistan's fate was then sealed when they were faced with the impossible task of scoring over 300 runs by the 40th ball of their reply to the champions' 337-9.


New Zealand will face hosts India in the first semi-final in Mumbai on Wednesday, with Australia and South Africa clashing in Kolkata 24 hours later.

(With inputs from agencies)