COLOMBO: In a nerve-shredding contest at the R Premadasa Stadium, England secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over New Zealand with three balls to spare, keeping Pakistan’s slim semi-final hopes flickering for another day.
Chasing a target of 160, the two-time champions stumbled early but recovered through a collective batting effort, eventually reaching 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs. The result leaves Group 2 wide open, with Pakistan now set to face Sri Lanka tomorrow in a virtual quarter-final.
England’s rocky start
England’s chase got off to a nightmare start as they lost both openers inside the first two overs. Phil Salt was the first to go, caught behind off Matt Henry for just 2, and Jos Buttler followed for a golden duck next over, also caught by Tim Seifert this time off Lockie Ferguson. At 2 for 2, England were in deep trouble.
Brook and Bethell lead recovery
Captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell steadied the sinking ship with a crucial 48-run partnership for the third wicket. Brook looked in fine touch, scoring 26 off 24 balls with three boundaries and a six before falling to Glenn Phillips. Bethell contributed a brisk 21 from 16 deliveries, hitting four fours before becoming the first of Rachin Ravindra’s three victims.
A hero with bat and ball for England against New Zealand, Will Jacks wins the @aramco POTM 🏅 pic.twitter.com/SQwRzorKbS
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 27, 2026
Ravindra’s triple strike shakes England
Rachin Ravindra emerged as the unlikely hero with the ball for New Zealand, claiming three wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs. After dismissing Bethell, he returned to remove Tom Banton and Sam Curran in quick succession, reducing England to 117 for 6 and swinging momentum back toward the Kiwis.
Banton had looked settled on 33 from 24 balls, while Curran contributed a valuable 24 off 22 deliveries before falling to a brilliant catch by Phillips.
A nail-biter sees England hold their nerve to edge past New Zealand in their final #T20WorldCup Super 8 fixture 🔥
📝: https://t.co/SPOfO9xhOb pic.twitter.com/Khi40f6hbx
— ICC (@ICC) February 27, 2026
Jacks and Ahmed finish in style
With the required rate climbing and New Zealand sensing victory, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed produced a match-winning partnership of 44 runs off just 21 balls for the unbroken seventh wicket.
Jacks remained unbeaten on a sensational 32 from just 18 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and a six. But it was 19-year-old Rehan Ahmed who provided the final flourish, blasting 19 off a mere seven balls including two massive sixes that sealed the victory with three balls to spare.
New Zealand’s innings earlier
Earlier, New Zealand posted 159 for 7 after being put in to bat. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 39 off 28 balls, while openers Tim Seifert (35) and Finn Allen (29) provided a flying start. England’s spin quartet dominated, with Adil Rashid and Will Jacks taking two wickets each, while Rehan Ahmed also claimed two crucial scalps.
Pakistan’s last chance
The result sets up a virtual knockout clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka tomorrow. Pakistan must win convincingly to overhaul New Zealand’s net run rate and snatch the second semi-final spot from Group 2. England, with this victory, have confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
The road ahead
All eyes now turn to tomorrow’s Pakistan-Sri Lanka encounter. Pakistan needs a comprehensive victory to keep their campaign alive, while Sri Lanka, already eliminated, will look to play spoilers in what promises to be a day of high drama in Colombo.
