England clinched a dramatic four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final over of their Super 8s clash in Colombo, sealing first place in the group and confirming their place in the second semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5.
Chasing 160, England reached 161-6 in 19.3 overs after a late onslaught from Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks. The pair produced a match-defining, unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership of 44 from just 16 balls, guiding Harry Brook’s side home with three deliveries remaining. New Zealand, meanwhile, could yet miss out on the semi-finals if Pakistan record a heavy win over Sri Lanka.
Ahmed Impresses on Debut as England Finish Strong
Making his T20 World Cup debut, Rehan Ahmed delivered with both bat and ball. The leg-spinning all-rounder claimed figures of 2-28 to help restrict the Black Caps to 159-7 before returning to smash 19 not out from seven balls in the chase.
He found a powerful ally in Will Jacks, who remained unbeaten on 32 from 18 deliveries. With 42 required from the final three overs, the momentum shifted decisively in England’s favour. Ahmed and Jacks tore into Glenn Phillips for 22 runs in the 18th over, then plundered 16 more off Mitchell Santner in the 19th, largely driven by Ahmed. Jacks sealed the result by striking the winning runs off Matt Henry midway through the 20th over.
Score Summary – England vs New Zealand
New Zealand 159-7 (20 overs, elected to bat)
- Glenn Phillips 39 (28)
- Tim Seifert 35 (25)
- Will Jacks 2-23
- Adil Rashid 2-28
- Rehan Ahmed 2-28
- Liam Dawson 1-32
England 161-6 (19.3 overs, target 160)
- Tom Banton 33 (24)
- Will Jacks 32* (18)
- Harry Brook 26 (24)
- Sam Curran 24 (22)
- Jacob Bethell 21 (16)
- Rehan Ahmed 19* (7)
- Rachin Ravindra 3-19
Already assured of a knockout berth following wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, England were given a steady platform by Tom Banton, whose 33 from 24 balls was the highest score of the innings. Jos Buttler’s difficult run continued as he fell for a two-ball duck, marking his fifth consecutive single-figure score.
Captain Brook, fresh from a 50-ball century against Pakistan, contributed 26 from 24 deliveries. His innings featured a remarkable, effortless flick for six off Henry that shattered the LED screen before he was dismissed by Phillips. The New Zealand all-rounder then produced a sharp diving catch at deep midwicket to remove Jacob Bethell for 21.
Earlier in the evening, Ahmed struck with his first ball in T20 World Cup cricket, while fellow spinners Jacks (2-23) and Adil Rashid (2-28) each picked up two wickets to keep New Zealand in check.
England are now set to feature in the second semi-final in Mumbai next Thursday, where they are most likely to face India or West Indies.
