England knock New Zealand out with four-wicket win; Pakistan still alive in semi-final race

COLOMBO: England held their nerve in a tense chase to beat New Zealand by four wickets in a Super Eights Group 2 clash of the T20 World Cup, keeping Pakistan’s semi-final hopes alive and tightening the race for the last-four spots.

Chasing 160, England got home with measured aggression, anchored by key middle-order contributions, with British Pakistani spinner Rehan Ahmed playing a decisive role in turning the match in England’s favour.

In the 49th match of the event played in Colombo, England chased down the 160-run target in the final over, finishing on 160 for 6. A brilliant 44-run partnership off just 16 balls between Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed proved decisive in sealing the victory.

For England, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed remained unbeaten on 32 and 19 respectively.

Among the other batters, Tom Banton scored 33, captain Harry Brook made 26, Sam Curran added 24, while Phil Salt was dismissed for 2 and Jos Buttler fell for a duck.

For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra took three wickets, while Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, New Zealand had posted 159 for 6 after opting to bat. They made a brisk start but struggled to maintain momentum through the middle overs. Tim Seifert’s 35 and Finn Allen’s 29 gave them early impetus, while Glenn Phillips top-scored with a fighting 39. However, regular wickets prevented the Black Caps from pushing beyond the 160-mark.

England’s bowlers shared the spoils, keeping things tight in the death overs to restrict the scoring surge.

In reply, England paced their chase smartly despite losing wickets at intervals. The required rate never spiralled out of control, and timely boundaries in the final overs sealed a four-wicket win.

Pakistan’s qualification equation

The result has kept Pakistan mathematically alive in the race for the semi-finals. With New Zealand’s net run rate now under pressure, Pakistan could still qualify depending on the margin of their result in the remaining Super Eights fixture. Pakistan will play against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights game, where a significant victory could tilt the net run rate equation in their favour.

Group 2 context

The Super Eights Group 2 has produced a tight contest, with England, New Zealand and Pakistan all in contention heading into the final round of matches. England’s win not only strengthens their own semi-final prospects but also opens the door for Pakistan to sneak through if results align.

With qualification scenarios hinging on net run rate and final-day performances, the race for the semi-finals is set for a dramatic finish.