The T20 World Cup 2022 has reached its business end. The picture of four teams that might make it to the semi-finals has almost been confirmed. But still, anything is possible, as every team has some mathematical chances. The 37th game of the tournament is underway between New Zealand and Ireland at the Adelaide Oval Ground. Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie won the toss and chose to bowl first. New Zealand batted well in the first innings and posted a really good score of 185/6.
But one thing that came as a memorable moment for the Irish team was the brilliant spell by Joshua Little. He became the second bowler to take a hat-trick in the ongoing tournament in Australia. Little dismissed Kane Williamson, James Neesham, and Mitchell Santner on three consecutive balls to complete this amazing feat. Notably, he is only the second Irish bowler to take a hat-trick in T20Is and the T20 World Cup. All-rounder Curtis Campher, who took a double hat-trick against the Netherlands in the last edition in the UAE.
T20 World Cup: Joshua Littler taking second hat-trick in T20 WC 2022 – Watch
New Zealand were crusing at one stage and were looking to reach the 200-run mark. They were at 173/3 in 18 overs, and Williamson (61* off 34) and Darly Mitchell (22* off 14) were set to launch big. But the 19th over changed the game. He started it with a wicket of the New Zealand skipper on a short ball off the second ball of the over. Williamson tried to pull it but didn’t get the distance, and the fielder at the deep square-leg boundary grabbed it.
On the next two balls, he dismissed James Neesham and Mitchell Santner off similar balls. Little bowled full balls on both occasions, and batters missed them completely, which struck their pads, and they were given LBW.
After that hat-trick, New Zealand couldn’t carry on the momentum and only scored 12 runs in the last two overs. Williamson made 61 off 35, including five fours and three sixes. Darly Mitchell made an unbeaten 31* off 21, and Finn Allen scored 32 off 18. The Black Caps need this win to make it to the semi-finals. As per the current scorecard, it looks like an easy win for them. In the end, Ireland managed 150/9 in their 20 overs and lost the game by 35 runs. New Zealand is almost through the semi-finals.