New Zealand qualify for World Cup semifinals

LONDON, July 05 (AFP): New Zealand qualified for the Cricket World Cup semi-finals on Friday without playing when Pakistan could no longer better their net run-rate.

Pakistan, needing to smash the world record for margin of victory in a one-day international, scored 315 for nine in their 50 overs at Lord's.

As soon as Bangladesh, already eliminated from the 10-team competition, reached eight runs in their innings, Pakistan were mathematically out of contention.

The other semi-finalists are Australia, India and host nation England.

England will stay at number three in the points table. Australia are currently leading the points table with 14 points in eight games, followed by India who have 13 points.