Twitter Reactions: Kane Williamson's 61 and disciplined bowling effort helps New Zealand brush aside promising Ireland

New Zealand and Ireland locked horns in the 37^th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Adelaide Oval, which was also their final game of the Super 12 stage. So far in the tournament, no team has confirmed a semi-final berth, with multiple teams being in contention from both groups. But with a 35-run victory against Ireland, the Kiwis inched closer to a spot in the final four, thanks to their brilliant NRR.

Ireland won the toss and put the Kiwis to bat first. The Blackcaps started off well as the opening pair of Finn Allen and Devon Conway shared a 52-run stand inside the powerplay before the former was dismissed by Mark Adair in the sixth over. Skipper Kane Williamson joined Conway and played a composed knock to keep the scoreboard ticking. Conway was the next to walk back as Gareth Delany got the Irish side a much-needed breakthrough.

The in-form middle-order batter Glenn Phillips could not create a big impact, but his cameo of a nine-ball 17, including two fours and a six, helped New Zealand add some quick runs. Ireland dominated the final few overs as their leading wicket-taker Joshua Little bagged a magnificent hat-trick and picked up the key wickets of Williamson, James Neesham, and Mitchell Santner. Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten as New Zealand ended up posting a target of 186 runs.

Ireland's batting unit comes crashing down

Ireland openers Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling started the chase on a high note. The duo sailed through the powerplay and kept finding the gaps to hit the big shots. It was late in the ninth over that Santner got his side the first breakthrough when he dismissed the Irish skipper. Ish Sodhi came in for the next over and sent Stirling packing. And then, Ireland’s batting unit came crashing down.

The middle-order batters could not score many runs as Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, Delany, and Curtis Campher were all dismissed cheaply for a low score. New Zealand bowlers started picking wickets at regular intervals and Ireland's batting unit came crashing down. Even the pacers received help towards the end, which added to Ireland’s misery. Thus, New Zealand claimed a comprehensive victory to end their Super 12 stage on a high note.

Here's how the Twitter reacted:

Magic to see another #T20wcuphatrick Fab reward for the hard working Josh Little 👏 🔥 #T20WorldCup

— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) November 4, 2022

NZ field placements have been absolutely spot on in that power play. Attention to detail 👏👏

— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) November 4, 2022

That T20 World Cup hat-trick feeling 🙌#IREvNZ #T20WorldCup #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/Snkgtqkdt0

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) November 4, 2022

Josh Little’s stock has certainly risen even more across this #ICCT20WorldCup Superb hat-trick.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 4, 2022

Little moments turn into big moments! #IREvNZ #T20WorldCup

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 4, 2022

Joshua little is a quality bowler .. I think he will be getting a few franchise contracts .. 👍 #ICCT20WorldCup

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 4, 2022

Little Beginnings ➡️ Big stage hat-trick. That’s the Josh! 🥳#T20WorldCup #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/HmWCvD8B4G

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 4, 2022

Domination continues for New Zealand, 3rd win from 4 games in the T20 World Cup 2022.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 4, 2022

New Zealand in ICC World Cups since 2015:

- Runner Ups of 2015 ODI World Cup.
- Semi Finalist of the 2016 T20 World Cup.
- Runner Ups of the 2019 ODI World Cup.
- Runner Ups of 2021 T20 World Cup.
- Qualified for Semi Finals of 2022 T20 World Cup.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 4, 2022