The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage saw England edge past New Zealand by 4 wickets in a thrilling Match 49 at Colombo (RPS) on February 27. England chased down 160 with just 3 balls to spare. Will Jacks delivered another match-winning all-round display with 32 not out and 2/23 to earn the Player of the Match award.
England lost both openers for just 2 runs in the powerplay but fought back through contributions across the middle order. Rachin Ravindra grabbed 3 wickets to keep New Zealand in the hunt, but Jacks and Rehan Ahmed finished the job in style.
Match Summary: NZ vs ENG
Here is the complete match summary of this Super 8 Group 2 encounter:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Score | 159/7 (20 overs) |
| England Score | 161/6 (19.3 overs) |
| Match Result | England won by 4 wickets (3 balls remaining) |
| Best Batting (NZ) | Glenn Phillips – 39 off 28 balls (4 fours, 1 six) |
| Best Batting (ENG) | Tom Banton – 33 off 24 balls (3 fours, 1 six) |
| Best Bowling (NZ) | Rachin Ravindra – 3/19 in 4 overs (Econ: 4.75) |
| Best Bowling (ENG) | Will Jacks – 2/23 in 4 overs (Econ: 5.75) |
| Player of the Match | Will Jacks (ENG) |
New Zealand Innings: 159/7 in 20 Overs
New Zealand got off to a flying start in the powerplay. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen put on 64 runs without losing a wicket. They raced to 50 in just 32 balls with Seifert scoring 26 and Allen 23. The powerplay ended with New Zealand at 54/0.
England struck back quickly after the powerplay. Adil Rashid had Seifert stumped for 35 in the 7th over. Will Jacks then dismissed Allen for 29 and later got Glenn Phillips bowled for 39. Rehan Ahmed grabbed 2 wickets, including Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie.
Phillips top-scored with 39 off 28 balls and hit 4 fours and a six. Mark Chapman added a quick 15 off 9 balls. New Zealand crossed 100 in the 12th over but lost wickets regularly in the death overs. Captain Mitchell Santner remained unbeaten on 9 as New Zealand finished at 159/7. Will Jacks was the most economical bowler with 2/23 in his 4 overs.
England Chase: 161/6 in 19.3 Overs
England’s chase started disastrously. Phil Salt fell for just 2 runs in the first over to Matt Henry. Jos Buttler followed for a duck in the next over as Lockie Ferguson had him caught behind. England were 2/2 after 1.2 overs and in deep trouble.
Captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell steadied the innings with a 48-run stand. Brook hit 26 off 24 balls before Glenn Phillips dismissed him. Bethell made 21 off 16 balls with 4 fours. Tom Banton kept England in the hunt with 33 off 24 balls while Sam Curran contributed 24 off 22.
Rachin Ravindra was brilliant with 3/19 in his 4 overs. He dismissed Bethell, Banton, and Curran to keep New Zealand alive. England slipped to 117/6 in the 17th over and needed 43 off 19 balls. Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed then took charge with an unbroken 44-run partnership. Jacks hit 32 off 18 balls while Ahmed smashed 19 off just 7 balls with 2 sixes. England crossed the line with 3 balls to spare.
Key Highlight: Player of the Match – Will Jacks Delivers Again
The English all-rounder delivered another match-winning performance:
With the ball: 2/23 in 4 overs (Econ: 5.75)
With the bat: 32* off 18 balls (4 fours, 1 six)
Jack’s first restricted New Zealand with his off-spin by dismissing Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips. He then walked in at 117/6 with England needing 43 off 19 balls and played a calm, composed knock. His partnership with Rehan Ahmed took England home and kept their Super 8 campaign on track. This was Jacks’ second Player of the Match award in the Super 8 stage.
