England beat New Zealand to keep Pakistan alive in T20 World Cup

England sealed a nervy last-over victory against New Zealand in the Group 2 Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the RPS Stadium on Friday. 

England spinners spun a web around the New Zealand batting lineup, restricting them from imposing an important total.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand managed 159-7 at the end of their 20 overs.

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen laid a solid foundation with a 64-run partnership in seven overs.

Adil Rashid broke the threatening stand as Siefert was stumped, courtesy of a brilliant piece of work from Jos Buttler behind the stumps. The right-hander made 35 off 25, smashing two sixes and three fours.

The second wicket also fell in quick succession. Finn Allen was caught off Will Jacks’ bowling after managing 29 from 19 with the aid of three sixes.

After a double blow, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra stabilized the innings with a 31-run partnership.

The scorecard read when Ravindra fell prey to Rehan Ahmed. He scored 11 off 13.

After a solid start, New Zealand’s middle order crumbled with England spinners tightening the screws.

The only notable batter was Glenn Phillips, who hit a vital 39 from 28 balls with the help of a six and four boundaries.

The right-hander stood firm when wickets tumbled around him. As New Zealand collapsed to 123-4 to 135-6 in 17.1 overs.

Eventually, they managed to put a respectable total on the board at the end of the innings.

For England, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Rehan Ahmed shared six wickets between them.

Playing XIs

England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (w), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid.

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson.

Source:A Sports

--Agencies