New Zealand stormed into the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 Tuesday after opener Martin Guptill smacked 80 off 48 balls to set up a 22-run win against a wayward Pakistan.
The Black Caps posted a strong 180 for five before restricting Pakistan to 158-5 off 20 overs on a sporting wicket at the Punjab Cricket Association ground in Mohali.
The win extended the Kiwis' unbeaten streak in the tournament and also ensured them a place in the last four, their second semi-final of a global event since the last year.
Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan had threatened to run away with the game after a blistering 25-ball 47 but his dismissal in the sixth over helped the Black Caps claw back on the back of some disciplined bowling and fielding.
Sharjeel gave Pakistan a flying start, hitting nine fours and a six, but the rest of the batsmen failed to rise up to the task.
His sparkling innings came to an end when he holed to Guptill off Adam Milne, and it was all downhill thereafter for Pakistan.
Guptill was the star of the show, smacking three sixes and 10 fours in his match-winning knock after skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat.
Ross Taylor chipped in with an unbeaten 23-ball 36 to help his side put up a strong total on the board.
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