In the 49th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, England faced off against New Zealand on Friday (February 27). The Super-8 stage clash took place at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where England triumphed by four wickets. England had a target of 160 runs, which they achieved in 19.3 overs.
At 16.5 overs, England stood at 117 for 6, but Rehan Ahmed (19 not out) and Will Jacks (32 not out) formed a crucial 44-run partnership, turning the game in England's favor. With England already in the semifinals, New Zealand's defeat kept Pakistan in the race. A significant victory for Pakistan against Sri Lanka on February 28 could confirm their semifinal spot. Otherwise, New Zealand will become the second team from Group-2 to reach the semifinals.
England's run chase started poorly, losing both openers at just 2 runs. Matt Henry dismissed Phil Salt (2 runs), and Jos Buttler became Lockie Ferguson's prey without scoring. Captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell attempted to stabilize the innings with a 48-run partnership.
Glenn Phillips ended Brook's inning at 26 runs, and Rachin Ravindra dismissed Bethell (21 runs) for New Zealand's fourth wicket. Sam Curran and Tom Banton then added 42 critical runs for the fifth wicket, spearheading England's recovery. Banton scored 33 runs and Curran 24 runs, with Banton's dismissal leaving England at 117-6.
New Zealand’s Innings Summary
New Zealand opted to bat first, scoring 159 for seven wickets. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen provided a strong start with a 64-run partnership in 7 overs. Adil Rashid removed Seifert for 35, while Will Jacks dismissed Allen for 29. Rachin Ravindra couldn’t capitalize, scoring only 11 runs before falling to spinner Rehan Ahmed.
Mark Chapman (15 runs) and Daryl Mitchell (3 runs) fell to spin, disappointing with their performances. Glenn Phillips, though, top-scored with a brisk 39 runs from 28 balls, including four fours and a six. New Zealand's score read 135-6 as Phillips got out, followed by Cole McConchie (14 runs) in the final over. England's Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, and Will Jacks each claimed two wickets, with Liam Dawson securing one.
New Zealand’s Playing XI:
Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson.
England’s Playing XI:
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid.
In 31 T20 International matches between New Zealand and England, the English team has won 18 matches, while New Zealand claimed 10 victories. Three matches resulted in no conclusions, giving England an edge historically.
Full England Squad:
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, and Rehan Ahmed.
Full New Zealand Squad:
Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (captain), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, and Devon Conway.
