Martin Guptill's double ton scripted New Zealand's entry into the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 on Saturday. In the fourth and last quarter-final at Wellington, the Kiwis thrashed the West Indies by 143 runs to set up a semi-final clash with South Africa on Tuesday at Auckland.Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a massive total of 393 for 6, courtesy Guptill's 237 not out, which was this World Cup's second double century. West Indies opener Chris Gayle had scored 215 earlier in the tournament. 237 is also the highest individual World Cup score and the second highest in ODIs, the highest score being Rohit Sharma's 264.The Kiwis were bang on with the ball as well, as paceman Trent Boult got rid of the West Indian top order with some fiery bowling. His four wickets made him the highest wicket-taker of this tournament with 19 scalps. Chris Gayle top scored with 61, but, the Windies could not revive from the early shock, as they were bundled out for 250 in 30.3 overs. Guptill was adjudged man of the match.AIR correspondent reports that it is the seventh time that New Zealand has booked a place in the semi-finals. However, they have never made it to the final yet.The second semi-final between defending champions India and Australia will be played on Thursday at Sydney.
News On AIR | March 21, 2015 8:16 PM
New Zealand storm into semi-final beating West Indies by 143 runs