adminWellington — New Zealand secured a World Cup semi-final with South Africa with a 143-run victory over the West Indies at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium yesterday. Black Caps opener Martin Guptill’s 237 not out, the highest individual score at a World Cup, was the cornerstone of an imposing total of 393 for six made after New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss.
West Indies were never in the hunt with the bat and their slim hopes of victory evaporated when the big-hitting Chris Gayle fell for a typically quickfire 61.
Left-arm paceman Trent Boult, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, took four for 44 as the West Indies were dismissed for 250 in 30.3 overs.
New Zealand will now play South Africa in the first semi-final in Auckland on Tuesday.
The second semi-final sees fellow co-hosts Australia face defending champions India in Sydney on Thursday, with the final in Melbourne on 29 March. — Sport 24
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter