England secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in a high-stakes Super 8 clash on Friday in Colombo, topping Group 2 and keeping Pakistan’s T20 World Cup semifinal hopes well and truly alive.
Also Read: Explained: What Pakistan needs to reach the T20 World Cup Semifinals
New Zealand, facing a must-win scenario, posted a competitive 159 for 7 after electing to bat first. Openers Finn Allen (29) and Tim Seifert (35) provided a fiery start, driving the Kiwis to 54 without loss in the powerplay. However, England’s spin trio quickly wrestled back control. Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and debutant Rehan Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece, stifling the run flow despite Glenn Phillips’ resilient 39 off 28 balls.
In response, England’s chase got off to a nightmare start as pacers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson dismissed Phil Salt and Jos Buttler within the first eight deliveries. Harry Brook (26) and Tom Banton (33) tried to steady the ship, but New Zealand kept striking at regular intervals. When Sam Curran departed, England were reeling at 117 for 6 in the 17th over, needing 43 runs from the final 18 balls.
Just as the Kiwis looked destined for the semifinals, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed turned the game on its head. The duo unleashed a breathtaking counter-attack, plundering 22 runs off Phillips in the 18th over and 16 off skipper Mitchell Santner in the 19th. Jacks remained unbeaten on a blistering 32 off 18 balls, while Ahmed smashed 19 not out off just 7, guiding England home with three balls to spare.
The heartbreaking defeat means New Zealand’s fate is no longer in their own hands, relying completely on the outcome of Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka.
Brief Scores
New Zealand: 159/7 in 20 overs
(Glenn Phillips 39, Tim Seifert 35; Will Jacks 2/23, Adil Rashid 2/28)
England: 161/6 in 19.3 overs
(Tom Banton 33, Will Jacks 32*; Matt Henry 1/13, Lockie Ferguson 1/14)
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