The unbeaten late fireworks from Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed carried England to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Friday night.
The result has kept Pakistan’s prospects alive, with qualification for the semi-finals now hinging on a heavy win over Sri Lanka in their final fixture.
New Zealand, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted 159 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Tim Seifert struck 35 from 25 balls, while Glenn Phillips made 39 off 28 deliveries. Finn Allen added 29 at the top.
For England, Will Jacks returned figures of 2 for 23 in four overs, while Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed claimed two wickets apiece.
In reply, England were reduced to 2 for 2 inside two overs, with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler dismissed cheaply. Harry Brook made 26, and Tom Banton contributed 33 to steady the innings.
The match turned in the closing overs as Jacks and Rehan launched a decisive assault. Jacks remained unbeaten on 32 from 18 balls, striking four fours and a six, while Rehan Ahmed finished on 19 not out from seven deliveries, including two sixes.
England reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs to secure victory with three balls to spare. Jacks was named Player of the Match.
England collected two points from the contest, while New Zealand remained without a return.
