'
Fans erupt as Will Jacks’ all-round heroics help England beat New Zealand to keep Pakistan alive at T20 World Cup 2026
Cricket

Fans erupt as Will Jacks’ all-round heroics help England beat New Zealand to keep Pakistan alive at T20 World Cup 2026

author
5 minutes, 0 seconds Read

England recorded a crucial four-wicket win New Zealand in the Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama. In a closely fought match, England chased down 160 in 19.3 overs, overcoming early blows and securing two valuable points. England’s win has also helped Pakistan keep their hopes alive for the semi-finals of the multi-team event.

Solid start for New Zealand

After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first and started aggressively. Tim Seifert looked fluid at the top, scoring 35 off 25 balls with three fours and two sixes. Find Allen complemented him with a quick 29 off 19 deliveries, hitting three sixes during the powerplay. The opening pair got New Zealand off to a promising start.

However, the English bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Rachin Ravindra had trouble accelerating and fell before 11, while Daryl Mitchell only 3 runs achieved. Glenn Phillips held the innings together with a well composed 39 off 28 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. Mark Kapman added a solid 15 off 9, and late contributions from Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie pushed New Zealand to 159 for 7 in their 20 overs.

English spinners put on the brakes

England’s spin trio played a key role in limiting the total. Adil Rashid delivered an impressive spell, finishing with 2 for 28 in his four overs. Will Jacks was equally impressive, claiming 2 of 23 and breaking key partnerships. Rehan Ahmed also picked up two wickets and maintained the pressure in the middle stages. Liam Dawson scored with one wicket, meaning New Zealand never really broke loose after the powerplay.

Early shocks rock England’s chase

Chasing 160, England got off to a nightmare start. Phil Salt fell for 2, and captain As Butler took off for a duck and left the side under immediate pressure. The responsibility then fell to the middle order to rebuild.

Harry Brook stabilized the innings with 26 off 24 balls, while Jacob Bethel contributed 21 of 16 deliveries, with four boundaries breached. Tom Banton added a valuable 33 off 24 balls, keeping England in the hunt as the pace requirement crept up.

Also WATCH: Brian Bennett’s Beckham-style reflexes deny Jasprit Bumrah a stunning York dismissal during T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed close the deal

New Zealand spinner Rachin Ravindra produced a superb spell of 3 for 19, briefly putting the momentum back in his team’s favour. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry also claimed a wicket each, tightening the match heading into the final overs. However, Jacks turned the tide with a decisive knock of 32 off 18 balls, hitting four fours and a six at a crucial juncture. With the equation narrowing, Ahmed provided the finishing touch, scoring 19 off just seven balls, including two huge sixes that sealed the match.

England eventually reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs, completing a thrilling chase with four wickets in hand. The victory strengthens England’s campaign in the Super 8 stage, while New Zealand are left to reflect on missed opportunities in a match that remained in the balance until the end.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar highlights the silver lining of South Africa’s defeat after India’s T20 World Cup Super 8 win against Zimbabwe


#Fans #erupt #Jacks #allround #heroics #England #beat #Zealand #Pakistan #alive #T20 #World #Cup

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *