England registered a crucial four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama. In a tightly fought contest, England chased down 160 in 19.3 overs, overcoming early blows to secure two valuable points. England’s win has also helped Pakistan to keep their hopes alive for the semi-final of the multi-team event.
Solid start for New Zealand
After winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bat first and started aggressively. Tim Seifert looked fluent at the top, scoring 35 off 25 balls with three fours and two sixes. Finn Allen complemented him with a quickfire 29 off 19 deliveries, smashing three sixes during the powerplay. The opening pair ensured New Zealand got off to a promising start.
However, England’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Rachin Ravindra struggled to accelerate and fell for 11, while Daryl Mitchell managed just 3 runs. Glenn Phillips held the innings together with a well-compiled 39 off 28 balls, striking four boundaries and a six. Mark Chapman added a brisk 15 off 9, and late contributions from Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie pushed New Zealand to 159 for 7 in their 20 overs.
England spinners apply the brakes
England’s spin trio played a key role in restricting the total. Adil Rashid delivered an impactful spell, finishing with 2 for 28 in his four overs. Will Jacks was equally impressive, claiming 2 for 23 and breaking important partnerships. Rehan Ahmed also picked up two wickets, maintaining pressure in the middle phase. Liam Dawson chipped in with one wicket, ensuring New Zealand never truly broke free after the powerplay.
Early jolts rock England’s chase
Chasing 160, England endured a nightmare start. Phil Salt fell for 2, and captain Jos Buttler departed for a duck, leaving the side under immediate pressure. The responsibility then fell on the middle order to rebuild.
Harry Brook steadied the innings with 26 off 24 balls, while Jacob Bethell contributed 21 off 16 deliveries, striking four boundaries. Tom Banton added a valuable 33 off 24 balls, keeping England in the hunt as the required rate crept up.
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Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed seal the deal
New Zealand spinner Rachin Ravindra produced a superb spell of 3 for 19, briefly swinging momentum back in his team’s favor. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry also claimed a wicket each, tightening the contest heading into the final overs. However, Jacks turned the tide with a decisive knock of 32 off 18 balls, smashing four fours and a six at a crucial juncture. With the equation narrowing, Ahmed provided the finishing flourish, scoring 19 off just 7 balls, including two massive sixes that sealed the game.
England eventually reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs, completing a tense chase with four wickets in hand. The win strengthens England’s campaign in the Super 8 stage, while New Zealand are left to reflect on missed opportunities in a match that remained finely balanced until the very end.
Here’s how fans reacted:
England bag a thrilling win over New Zealand 💪#T20WorldCup2026 #ENGvsNZ
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/QlnBI0A4Tr #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Cby5ZYwUI0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 27, 2026
A hero with bat and ball for England against New Zealand, Will Jacks wins the @aramco POTM 🏅 pic.twitter.com/SQwRzorKbS
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 27, 2026
Most Player of the Match Awards in a T20 World Cup edition:
Will Jacks – 4* in 2026.
Shane Watson – 4 in 2012. pic.twitter.com/q6fydGSZPC
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 27, 2026
4th Man of the Match Award for Will Jacks in T20 WORLD CUP 2026.
Player of the tournament award we are coming for you 🥁😎 pic.twitter.com/M4k1nTHWUz
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) February 27, 2026
Playing Will Jacks at no.7 is turning out to be a masterstroke throughout the tournament. We never were expecting him to have these type of finishing skills with the bat pic.twitter.com/E34WDrzYqV
— Gaz (@crictologist) February 27, 2026
Will Jacks again outstanding performance.. Rehan too 😍😍
— Azeem Rafiq (@AzeemRafiq30) February 27, 2026
Will Jacks has 4 player of the match awards…. Watson 2012 esque tournament for him
— JSK (@imjsk27) February 27, 2026
It’s a Will Jacks winter 🥶🔥
2/23 with the ball and a vital 32 not out at the end to take England to a remarkable four-wicket victory over New Zealand 👏
England finish 3/3 in the Super Eights 📈
🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/OmlTYayrjM
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) February 27, 2026
Will Jacks ne to kamal kar diya 10 match se 4 main Man OF The Match. 🤯
Will Jacks – 4* (10 matches).
Kevin Pieterson – 3 (15).
Luke Wright – 3 (22).
England team se sab se jada Man OF The Match banane vale player bane crazy.👀 pic.twitter.com/a8CKiZBFse
— Abhishek Vision (@AbhishekVisionX) February 27, 2026
Wow innings by Rehan Ahmad. And of course, where there’s Will (Jacks), there’s always a Way. The best English player in this World Cup. #EngvNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 27, 2026
Wasn’t that long ago that Will Jacks was being derided during the Ashes. He might not be a test spinner but he’s some cricketer. Player of the tournament so far. Certainly for England. #T20WorldCup
— Dan Ogunshakin (@DanOgunshakin) February 27, 2026
🚨 HISTORY FOR WILL JACKS 🚨
– Will Jacks now has Joint Most POTM Awards in an T20 World Cup edition! 🫡#ENGvsNZ #ICCT20WORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/NyIaV3yWNn
— PANKAJ DAUNAWAT (@pankajmeen75939) February 27, 2026
England wins ✅,
Pakistan still alive ✅
Need one good day with bat and ball against sirlanka
see you in the semis! 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/atl819j5k8
— Humais khan (@Humireacts) February 27, 2026
Rehan Ahmed kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. Great Cameo of the tournament so far. #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/VEyKsi2zAo
— Shrikant (@shrikantd31) February 27, 2026
🚨 PAKISTAN STAYS ALIVE IN THE T20 WORLD CUP 2026. 🚨
– England beat New Zealand. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QG4FiMZcy9
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 27, 2026
🚨 PAKISTAN ALIVE IN THE T20 WC 🚨
– Pakistan needs to beat Sri Lanka by 65 runs or chase the target in 11 overs to qualify for the Semi-Finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/DfiglHqGh0
— Rayham (@RayhamUnplugged) February 27, 2026
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