The Black Caps are the first team to secure their spot in the semifinals at cricket's T20 World Cup in Australia.
Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson was named player of the match. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A half-century to Kane Williamson and a spin-bowling assault fired New Zealand to a 35-run victory over Ireland at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.
The Black Caps place in the final four was then sealed when Australia were only able to beat Afghanistan by four runs in the night's other match at the same venue.
That result left the hosts and defending champions facing a nervous wait and potential early exit from the tournament.
Australia's narrow win over Afghanistan was not enough to raise their net run-rate above England, who only needed to beat Sri Lanka in Sydney on Saturday to take the other semifinal berth from the group.
Batting first New Zealand made 185-6 in their final pool game.
Skipper Williamson, who had been struggling to score quickly at the tournament, top scored with 61 off 35 balls.
Ireland started their run chase well and at 68-0 had the Black Caps a little nervous.
But wickets to spinners Mitchell Satner and Ish Sodhi, who both finished with two apiece, slowed the Irish side's progress.
Pace bowlers Lockie Fergusson and Tim Southee also chipped in, taking three and two wickets respectively, as Ireland eventually came up well short at 150-9.
- RNZ, Reuters
