England keep Pakistan T20 World Cup hopes alive by beating New Zealand

By Admin

28 Feb, 2026

England Seal Group 2 Top Spot

England confirmed their dominance in Group 2 of the Super Eights stage at the ICC T20 World Cup with a dramatic four-wicket victory over New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday. The win ensured England finished top of the group, while New Zealand were left anxiously waiting on Pakistan’s final fixture to determine their fate.

Although Sri Lanka, one of the tournament co-hosts, have already been eliminated, they host Pakistan on Saturday in Pallekele. For Pakistan to advance to the semifinals alongside England, they must not only defeat Sri Lanka but do so by a commanding margin sufficient to overturn New Zealand’s superior net run-rate.

Early Collapse Puts England Under Pressure

Chasing New Zealand’s competitive total of 159-7, England endured a nightmare start. Openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler were dismissed within the first eight balls, leaving the side reeling at 2-2.

The pressure intensified when captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell fell within eight runs of each other, reducing England to 58-4 in the ninth over. At that stage, New Zealand appeared poised to tighten their grip on the match and secure a semifinal berth.

Jacks and Ahmed Turn the Tide

However, Player of the Match Will Jacks once again proved pivotal for England. Partnered by the young and fearless Rehan Ahmed, Jacks steadied the innings and built an unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership of 44 runs. Ahmed contributed a valuable 19, while Jacks anchored the chase with composure and confidence to seal victory.

Reflecting on his fourth Player of the Match award in the tournament, Jacks said:

“I reckon this is the best. I’m buzzing, to be not out at the end – when it was on a knife-edge when I went out there – I’m over the moon.

Rehan played amazingly and put them on the backfoot, and I was able to play off him.”

With three wins against three strong teams in the Super Eights, England head into the semifinals brimming with confidence.

Spin Strategy Pays Off for England

Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had won the toss and elected to bat first, knowing victory would guarantee his team a semifinal spot.

The Kiwis got off to a strong start, racing to 64-0 in 6.5 overs. England’s decision to recall Rehan Ahmed in place of Jamie Overton initially seemed risky. However, Adil Rashid triggered a crucial breakthrough by stumping Tim Seifert for 35 off 25 balls. Will Jacks then removed Finn Allen for 29.

Ahmed made an immediate impact, claiming the wicket of Rachin Ravindra with his very first ball in World Cup cricket. Glenn Phillips added a brisk 39 off 28 before becoming Jacks’ second victim. Rashid and Ahmed both finished with two wickets each, restricting New Zealand to 159-7.

England captain Harry Brook praised the young spinner:

“We have seen what Rehan can do in the nets, and he has gone out there and taken the game away from them. We said from the start of the competition that we will select players based on conditions, and we felt today was the day to bring Rehan in – he did an amazing job.”

Semifinal Scenarios Take Shape

With South Africa already qualified from Group 1, the remaining semifinal spot in that group will be decided between India and the West Indies. England will face the winner of that clash in the semifinals.

Brook acknowledged that England are yet to play a perfect game but emphasized the team’s resilience:

“We still haven’t played the perfect game, nor had the starts we would like with the bat and ball, but we have got over the line in some very tight games and in World Cups that can help you.”

Pakistan’s Qualification Equation

New Zealand, who have never won the T20 World Cup, must now hope Pakistan fail to achieve a massive victory over Sri Lanka.

For Pakistan to leapfrog New Zealand and set up a semifinal against South Africa, they must either:

• Win by approximately 65 runs or more, or
  
  

• Chase their target within 13 overs
  
  

The exact margin will depend on the first-innings total in their clash against Sri Lanka.

England’s thrilling triumph has not only secured their top spot but has also dramatically intensified the semifinal race, leaving fans eagerly awaiting Pakistan’s must-win showdown.