Jacks & Ahmed carry England to another thrilling win

What’s Happening

Real talk: England take real momentum into the T20 World Cup semi-finals after Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed secure a gripping four-wicket victory over New Zealand.

Jacks & Ahmed carry England to another thrilling win Media caption, Ahmed and Jacks rally to lead England to thrilling win over New Zealand By Matthew Henry BBC Sport Journalist in Colombo Published 27 February 2026, 17:09 GMT Updated 54 minutes ago T20 World Cup, Super 8s, Group 2 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 clutched Scorecard . (shocking, we know)

Tables England will take real momentum into the T20 World Cup semi-finals after Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed secured a gripping four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Colombo.

The Details

Already guaranteed to progress, England needed 42 from the last 17 balls on a slow pitch which offered significant assistance for the spinners throughout. But Ahmed struck a huge straight six and Jacks cracked one of his own, following with two more fours to take 21 from the next five balls bowled by off-spinner Glenn Phillips.

Ahmed lofted Mitchell Santner for another six from the final ball of the 19th over, leaving five to get from the last and England completed a fifth successive victory with three balls to spare. Jacks finished 32 not out and Ahmed unbeaten on 19 from seven balls – the pair combining for a stand of 44 runs in 16 balls.

Why This Matters

Jacks and Ahmed also played their part with the ball, taking two wickets each, as England dragged New Zealand back to 159-7. Harry Brooks side showed wild versatility by bowling 16 overs of spin – the most they have ever sent down in a T20 - with all seven dismissals falling to the slow bowlers. It means England will almost certainly play in Thursdays second semi-final in Mumbai and travel having come through a series of tight finishes to this point.

Sports analysts are already debating what this means for the competition.

The Bottom Line

New Zealand are in second place but could be pipped to a semi-final spot by Pakistan, if they secure a big win over already-eliminated Sri Lanka on Saturday. Who needs what to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals?

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