New Zealand have cemented their place at the top of World Twenty20 Group 2 with a 22-run win over Pakistan in Mohali.
The Black Caps, who have already beaten hosts India and Australia and now just have to play group minnows Bangladesh, are the first team through to the semi-finals of the tournament with three wins out of three.
© AFP
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Martin Guptill led from the front for New Zealand with 80 runs off just 48 balls, an innings including 10 fours and three sixes.
He put on half-century partnerships with both Kane Williamson (17) and Corey Anderson (21) before Ross Taylor's 36 not out helped New Zealand post 180-5 from their 20 overs.
It was an imposing target, but Pakistan got off to a flying start in their reply as Sharjeel Khan (47) and Ahmed Shehzad (30) put on 65 for the opening wicket.
However, the middle-order struggled to build on the strong start and, despite a quick flurry of 19 off nine balls from Shahid Afridi, Pakistan fell well short, failing to score a single boundary in the last 31 balls.
Pakistan remain second in the group, but Australia and India behind them, who both also have one win apiece, have a game in hand.
Pascal Lemesre
