02 March 2020

Australia narrowly beat New Zealand to reach semi-finals of T20 World Cup

Defending Champions Australia avoided a shock exit at the T20 World Cup as they beat New Zealand in a four-run win in their final group game.

Australia hit 155-5 with New Zealand coming up just short on 151-7.

Australia join England, India and South Africa in the semi-finals. Beth Mooney made 60, while Georgia Warehamtook 3-17 to secure the hosts' win.

The win did come at a cost however as star all-rounder Ellyse Perry limped off the field with a suspected hamstring injury.

Aussie captain Meg Lanning admitted 'it didn't look good' in a post-match interview.

Her side will learn their semi-final opponents on Tuesday. If South Africa beat West Indies in Sydney, they will leapfrog England in Group B and face Australia. If the Windies win, it will be England against the hosts.

Siriwardene has now retired from cricket (PA Images)

Elsewhere in the tournament, Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh to earn their first victory in their final match.

Sri Lanka won by nine wickets with 27 balls spare to claim the win.

Sri Lanka's Shashikala Siriwardene took 4-16 in her final match before retirement.

She surpassed 200 international wickets and said afterwards: "From the beginning of the day it was very hard as I knew I was playing my last game.

"I was kind of nervous knowing I would be wearing national colours for the last time. It was pretty emotional, but I told myself it wasn't the time to get emotional. 

"I knew my contribution would be important so I told myself to not think about my retirement until the match ended. I really love to perform, but the main thing was getting the win for the team. 

"We knew we couldn't go without a win. We knew we had the skill and the potential to be in the top four. 

"I'm truly satisfied that I did something to help my country. I'll miss being with these girls. I have spent more time with this team than with my family."

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