England secured a four wicket victory over New Zealand in their final Super 8 fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo, completing a third successive win in the stage.
Already assured of a semi final place, England chased 160 and recovered from 4/58 to reach 6/160 in 19.3 overs. Will Jacks delivered an all round contribution, taking 2 for 23 and striking an unbeaten 32 from 18 balls, including four fours and a six.
England chose to bowl and relied heavily on spin. They sent down 16 overs of spin, the most they have delivered in a T20 international, and dismissed New Zealand for 7/159. Every wicket fell to a spinner.
Adil Rashid returned 2/28 after providing the initial breakthrough. Jacks claimed two further wickets. On his T20 World Cup debut, Rehan Ahmed dismissed Rachin Ravindra with his first delivery and finished with 2 for 28 from three overs. Liam Dawson removed Daryl Mitchell.
Finn Allen made 29 and Tim Seifert 35 as New Zealand reached 54 without loss in the powerplay. Jofra Archer began with a maiden but conceded 16 in his fourth over. Glenn Phillips top scored with 39 from 28 balls and added useful partnerships with Ravindra and Mark Chapman as New Zealand maintained momentum despite losing wickets.
New Zealand struck early in England’s reply. Matt Henry dismissed Phil Salt in his opening over, inducing an edge to the wicketkeeper. Lockie Ferguson removed Jos Buttler in similar fashion, leaving England 2 for 2 after eight deliveries.
Harry Brook responded with consecutive boundaries off Henry, including a scoop for six. He and Jacob Bethell added 48 for the third wicket before Phillips intervened. Brook was caught at long off and Bethell fell to a diving catch from Phillips. England were reduced to 4/58.
Tom Banton scored 33 and Sam Curran 24 to stabilise the innings. Jacks shifted the match in the 18th over, striking 22 runs from Phillips. Ahmed contributed 19 from seven balls, including two sixes and a four, as England completed the chase with three balls remaining.
