Picture Credit: Associated Press/Getty Images/Robert Cianflone/MB Media
Will Jacks played a pivotal role in England’s four-wicket win over New Zealand in the Group 2 Super 8 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.
His attacking 32 from 18 deliveries set the tempo, while Rehan Ahmed’s unbeaten 19 off seven balls sealed the result with three deliveries remaining.
England’s chase began poorly when Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Phil Salt and Jos Buttler with only two runs scored.
Harry Brook responded with a steady 26, combining with Jacob Bethell for a 45-run partnership to stabilise the innings during the powerplay.
Glenn Phillips shifted the balance by claiming Brook’s wicket with his opening delivery and later executing an outstanding diving catch to remove Bethell for 21. The double blow intensified the pressure on England.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand started confidently as Finn Allen and Tim Seifert attacked the bowlers to accumulate 54 runs in the powerplay without loss.
Adil Rashid eventually broke their 64-run opening stand by luring Seifert, who made 35, out of his crease.
Jacks then dismissed Allen for 29, curbing the momentum. Phillips contributed a fighting 39 from 28 balls and added useful runs with Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, yet England’s bowlers prevented a late flourish.
Rashid, Jacks and Rehan Ahmed collected two wickets apiece, restricting New Zealand to 159 for 7 at the end of their innings. Despite losing Sam Curran for 24 to Ravindra, England remained composed in the closing stages.
With 43 required from the final three overs, Rehan accelerated decisively, striking key boundaries off Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry.
England ultimately reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs, completing a hard-fought four-wicket victory.
Brief Scores
New Zealand 159/7 (Glenn Phillips 39, Tim Seifert 35; Will Jacks 2-23, Adil Rashid 2-28) lost to England 161/6 (Tom Banton 33, Harry Brook 26; Rachin Ravindra 3-19) by four wickets.
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