New Zealand clung to the thinnest of lifelines after a seven wicket defeat by India yesterday in Centurion, South Africa, meant their World Cup semi-final chances now depend on events beyond their control. The New Zealanders, deservedly beaten for the second Super Six match in a row, can still squeak into the last four if Zimbabwe defeat Sri Lanka today in East London. A New Zealand win would have eliminated the 1996 champions.
Defending champions Australia meet Kenya in the final match of the second round with the result of academic interest only. Both teams, along with India, are already through to the semis. Australia, who will meet either Sri Lanka or New Zealand in the semi-finals, have won all eight matches in the tournament and have now recorded a record 14 one-day victories in a row.
Filed by James Boylan.
