“England’s bowlers controlled the middle overs to keep the target within reach”
England defeated New Zealand by four wickets in their Super 8 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored 159 for 7 in their 20 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 39 runs off 28 balls, while Tim Seifert added 35 from 25 balls. However, England’s bowlers kept things under control in the middle overs. Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Rehan Ahmed each picked up two wickets to restrict the total.
In reply, England had a shaky start. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler were dismissed early, and at one stage they were 58 for 4, struggling in the chase. Harry Brook (26), Tom Banton (33), and Sam Curran (24) helped rebuild the innings and kept England in the game.
The match turned in the final overs. England needed quick runs, and Will Jacks (32 not out off 18 balls) and Rehan Ahmed (19 not out off 7 balls) produced a brilliant unbeaten partnership to finish the game. England reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs, winning with three balls to spare.
With this victory, England remained unbeaten in the Super 8 stage and strengthened their chances of reaching the semi-finals, while New Zealand’s qualification hopes became uncertain.