Will Jacks stars as England chase down 160 to beat New Zealand
England produced a dramatic late surge to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in their ICC men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights clash on Friday, thanks to a match-turning partnership between Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks.
Chasing 160 for victory, England looked in trouble before the pair launched a decisive late assault, adding a rapid 44 runs and guiding their side home with three balls remaining.
The win ensured England finished top of their Super Eights group after winning all three matches, strengthening their momentum ahead of the semi-finals. For New Zealand, the result leaves qualification hopes hanging in the balance as they await the outcome of the crucial clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand Post Competitive Total
After winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat first and made a brisk start despite a tight opening over from Jofra Archer. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen took advantage during the powerplay, racing to 54 runs and putting England’s bowling attack under pressure.
England’s spin attack eventually regained control. Adil Rashid removed Seifert for 35 after a sharp stumping, while Allen fell for 29 shortly afterward to the off-spin of Jacks.
The middle overs proved difficult for New Zealand as boundaries dried up between the 13th and 17th overs. Rashid struck again by dismissing Mark Chapman, while Liam Dawson accounted for Daryl Mitchell.
Late hitting from Glenn Phillips kept the scoreboard ticking as he smashed 39, while Mitchell Santner finished the innings with a six off the final ball to push New Zealand to 159 for seven.
England’s Rocky Start
England’s chase began in nightmare fashion. Matt Henry struck early to dismiss Phil Salt, before Lockie Ferguson removed captain Jos Buttler for a duck.
At 2 for 2, England were suddenly under pressure. Captain Harry Brook steadied the innings alongside Jacob Bethell, adding 48 runs for the third wicket. Brook looked set before he was caught attempting a big shot after scoring 26.
Bethell added 21 before falling to a stunning low catch by Phillips at deep mid-wicket, leaving England struggling at 58 for four.
Late Drama Changes the Game
A steady partnership between Tom Banton and Sam Curran kept England in the hunt. However, New Zealand spinner Rachin Ravindra tightened the screws with an impressive spell of 3 for 19. Banton was dismissed for 33, leaving England needing 43 runs from the final three overs.
That set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks attacked Phillips in the 18th over, smashing two sixes and collecting 22 runs to swing momentum firmly back to England. From there, the pair calmly completed the chase. Jacks finished with a match-winning 32 after also taking two wickets earlier in the match, earning Player of the Match honors.
Semi-Final Picture Still Unclear
England’s victory confirms their place in the semi-finals as group winners.
New Zealand’s fate now rests on the final group match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan would need a massive victory, either winning by 64 runs or chasing a target in roughly 13 overs, to push New Zealand out of the last four.
For England, the performance reinforced their credentials as one of the tournament favorites as the knockout stage approaches.
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Tinu Brown