Will Jacks Shines As England Edge New Zealand, Black Caps' Fate Uncertain

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) England maintained their perfect run in the Super Eights with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on Friday, a result that leaves the Black Caps anxiously awaiting their semi-final fate.

Already assured of a last-four spot, England showcased depth and composure as they chased down a target of 160, recovering from early trouble at 58/4 to seal the win in 19.3 overs.

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The star of the night was Will Jacks, whose superb all-round performance proved decisive. He returned figures of 2/23 with the ball before playing the finisher’s role to perfection, striking four fours and a six in an unbeaten 32 off 18 balls.

The defeat means New Zealand are not yet guaranteed a semi-final berth, with their qualification now dependent on the outcome of Saturday’s Group 2 contest between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Earlier, England’s spinners dominated proceedings after being asked to bowl first, restricting New Zealand to 159/7. In a remarkable tactical move, England bowled 16 overs of spin, their most ever in a T20I, and every New Zealand batter fell to the slower bowlers.

Adil Rashid set the tone with the early breakthrough and finished with 2/28, while Jacks continued his impressive tournament with another two-wicket haul. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed enjoyed a dream World Cup debut, dismissing Rachin Ravindra with his very first delivery and ending with 2/28 from three overs. Liam Dawson also chipped in with the wicket of Daryl Mitchell.

New Zealand had made a brisk start despite a maiden opening over from Jofra Archer. Openers Finn Allen (29) and Tim Seifert (35) accelerated in the power play, taking the side to 54/0 in six overs. Glenn Phillips then anchored the innings with a top score of 39 off 28 balls, stitching useful partnerships with Ravindra and Mark Chapman to keep the scoreboard moving even as wickets fell in clusters.

In reply, New Zealand struck early yet again as Matt Henry removed Phil Salt in his first over, while Jos Buttler’s difficult campaign continued with another early dismissal to Lockie Ferguson, leaving England reeling at 2/2 inside two overs.

Harry Brook steadied the innings with counter-attacking boundaries, including an audacious scoop for six, before a 48-run stand with Jacob Bethell briefly rebuilt the chase. Glenn Phillips played a key role in shifting momentum back, having Brook hole out at long-off before producing a stunning diving catch to dismiss Bethell and reduce England to 58/4.

However, England’s middle and lower order rose to the occasion. Tom Banton (33) and Sam Curran (24) laid the platform, before Jacks turned the game decisively in the 18th over by taking 22 runs off Phillips. Rehan Ahmed added a crucial late cameo of 19 off just seven balls, striking two sixes and a four to provide the finishing push.

** Brief scores**
New Zealand 159-7 (20 overs): Phillips 39 (28); Jacks 2-23
England 161-6 (19.3 overs): Banton 33 (24), Jacks 32* (18)

England won by four wickets.

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