New Zealand on Friday became the first team to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a victory over Ireland that ensured they finished the group with seven points and a better net run rate than Australia.

A Kane Williamson half-century and a spin-bowling assault fired the Black Caps to a 35-run victory at the Adelaide Oval which sealed one of the top two spots in Group 1 and a place in the last four. Their qualification was confirmed after Australia won by four runs against Afghanistan in the second match of the day.

New Zealand’s batsmen posted an imposing 185 for six after Ireland elected to field and then the Black Caps’ bowlers restricted the Irish to 150 for nine.

Ireland bow out of the World Cup but head home with pride after a solid tournament capped by a sparkling hattrick from pacer Josh Little. Left-armer Little had captain Williamson caught for 61, then trapped both James Neesham and Mitchell Santner leg before for no score in the 19th over to bring up Ireland’s second hat-trick in T20Is.

However, the damage had already been done by Williamson and middle-order batsman Daryl Mitchell (31 not out).

Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie gave Ireland a fighting chance but left-arm spinner Santner broke the 68-run stand when he had Balbirnie chopping onto his stumps.

“It’s nice because we have a few days now and guys will be able to just relax,” said Williamson. “Tomorrow observe what’s happening in the other matches and see how it goes.”

“We knew the spin would really come into the game and they bowled beautifully well,” said Williamson. “A good team effort, really.”

Williamson said clear communication skills have been the key to their success in ICC tournaments.

“Often it’s very difficult to know exactly how a pitch is going to play until you start playing,” Williamson said.

“And then trying to be really clear with your communication, whether it’s as batters or a bowling unit. Make sure you’re getting around each other to report back and either identify what a competitive total is and what options are for some of your better ones to take...”

“It makes it enjoyable to try to make those adjustments.”

Brief scores: New Zealand 185/6 in 20 overs (Kane Williamson 61 Daryl Mitchell 31 n.o; Josh Little 3/22). Ireland 150/9 (Paul Stirling 37, Andy Balbirnie 30; Lockie Ferguson 3/22). New Zealand won by 35 runs.

Nabi quits as captain

Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan. Getty Images

Adelaide: Mohammad Nabi stepped down as Afghanistan captain on Friday after they were eliminated from the T20 World Cup without winning a single match.

Nabi said he was resigning due to differences with the selectors after Afghanistan lost their final T20 Super 12 match to Australia. They finished the tournament as the only team without a win, with three defeats and two games abandoned due to rain.

Reuters