In a dramatic finish in Colombo, England secured a four-wicket victory over New Zealand with just three balls to spare, successfully chasing down a target of 161 in their final Super 8s match of the T20 World Cup.
The chase was a tense affair, with England repeatedly stumbling. They found themselves in deep trouble early at 2 for 2 after both openers fell cheaply, and later at 117 for 6 in the 17th over, requiring 44 runs from the final 18 deliveries.
The game was decisively turned by a blistering, unbroken 44-run partnership between Will Jacks and the young all-rounder Rehan Ahmed. Coming together under severe pressure, the pair launched a stunning assault in the closing stages. Ahmed, playing his first match of the tournament, was particularly impactful, striking a crucial six off Glenn Phillips to shift the momentum.
Jacks, who was named Player of the Match for his composed, unbeaten 27, anchored the frantic finale. The winning runs fittingly came from his bat, a boundary in the final over sealing a remarkable comeback.
Earlier, New Zealand, having chosen to bat, posted 160 for 7. A solid platform was built by Tim Seifert (35) and Finn Allen (29), but regular wickets prevented a late-innings surge. England’s spinners, led by Adil Rashid (2-28) and Rehan Ahmed (2-28), applied effective brakes in the middle overs.
The result confirms England’s place in the semi-finals as group winners with three consecutive Super 8s victories. For New Zealand, their tournament fate now hinges on other results, needing a favour from Sri Lanka to have a chance of progressing.
The victory underscores England’s growing form at the crucial stage of the competition, having navigated several close contests. They will now await their semi-final opponent, with confidence high after another display of resilient chasing.
