England beat New Zealand in a thriller, Pakistan’s semi-final hopes alive

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 27, 2026

England secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Super eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on Friday.

Chasing a target of 160 runs, England reached 160 for 6 with three balls to spare. With this win, England finished as Group 2 winners with six points and will travel to India for the semi-finals.

The result also keeps Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. Pakistan currently have just one point from two matches.

To qualify, they must defeat Sri Lanka in their final game and overtake New Zealand on net run rate. New Zealand have three points. Pakistan will also reach three points with a win, with NRR deciding the fate.

Pakistan will be playing Sri Lanka on Saturday, where Pakistan will need to win by at least 64 runs, or chase the target within 13.1 overs, to surpass New Zealand on net run rate and secure a semi-final spot.

Coming to the match, England were under pressure at one stage, needing 43 runs from the final three overs. However, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed turned the game around with an unbeaten 44-run partnership off just 16 balls.

Jacks scored 32 not out from 18 balls, while Rehan smashed 19 off 7 balls. Glenn Phillips conceded 22 runs in the 18th over, and New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner gave away 16 runs in the 19th, leaving England needing only five runs in the final over.

Earlier, England had a shaky start, losing two wickets inside the first two overs. Tom Banton scored 33 runs, captain Harry Brook added 26, and Jacob Bethell made 21.

For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra took three wickets, while Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Phillips claimed one wicket each.

Batting first after winning the toss, New Zealand posted 159 for 7 in 20 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 39 runs, and opener Tim Seifert contributed 35.

Adil Rashid, Will Jacks, and Rehan Ahmed picked up two wickets each for England, while Liam Dawson took one.