England beat New Zealand by four wickets in Colombo in the Super Eights of T20 World Cup 2026. They chased 160 and reached the target with three balls left. It was their third straight win in the Super Eight stage.
The match took place on a turning track at the R Premadasa Stadium. England were in early trouble at 2 for 2. The pitch helped the spinners and New Zealand started well. But Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell added 48 runs from 35 balls to steady the innings. Sam Curran and Tom Banton then put on 42 from 35 balls.
The match turned in the final overs. Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed added 44 runs for the eighth wicket from just 16 balls. Jacks stayed not out on 32 from 18 balls. Rehan made 19 not out from 7 balls. Jacks was named player of the match.
Earlier, Jacks also impressed with the ball. He took 2 for 23. England needed 48 runs from the last three overs. They scored 22 runs in the 18th over bowled by Glenn Phillips. That over shifted the game.
New Zealand had made a good start after winning the toss. Their openers added 64 runs. But they lost wickets in the middle overs. The third wicket fell before the score reached 100. England’s spinners, including Adil Rashid, Jacks and Rehan, slowed the scoring rate. Glenn Phillips top scored with 39, but the total of 159 was not enough.
The loss hurt New Zealand’s chances a bit. They remain second with a net run rate of +1.390. Pakistan are behind with -0.461. The final spot will now depend on Pakistan’s last match.
Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka by 65 runs or more if they bat first to stay alive. If Pakistan chase, they must reach the target within 13 overs.
Only then will Pakistan move ahead of New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the semi final.
