Source TOI
England pulled off a tense four-wicket victory over New Zealand in a high-pressure T20 World Cup 2026 encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, thanks to a late surge from Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed.
Chasing a competitive target of 160, England were tested throughout the innings by a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. The turning point came in the final overs when Jacks shifted gears, counter-attacking just as the required run rate began to climb. His composed yet aggressive approach kept England within touching distance.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 159/7 in their 20 overs, with valuable contributions from the middle order. England’s bowlers kept things tight in the death overs, preventing the Kiwis from crossing the 170-mark — a factor that ultimately proved decisive.
As the chase reached its climax, Rehan Ahmed displayed remarkable composure under pressure. With boundaries flowing at crucial moments, England crossed the finish line with three balls to spare, sparking celebrations in the English camp.
The win gives England crucial momentum in the tournament, strengthening their position in the group stage. For New Zealand, despite a fighting total and disciplined bowling effort, the inability to contain England in the closing overs proved costly.
With both teams eyeing semifinal qualification, this contest once again highlighted why clashes between England and New Zealand remain among the most thrilling matchups in world cricket.
