Key Highlights
- England chased 160 to win by four wickets with three balls to spare.
- New Zealand’s semi-final hopes are now in jeopardy after defeat.
- Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed put on unbroken 44 to secure the victory.
- Jos Buttler’s poor form continues, scoring a duck once again.
- England top Group 2 but face uncertain opponents in the semi-finals.
The Turn of the Knife Edge
New Zealand’s cricketing dreams were cut short at the T20 World Cup when England delivered a telling blow. With the semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, the Kiwis watched their chances slip through their fingers as England’s relentless pursuit of 160 ended in a four-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
Willy Jacks and Rehan Ahmed’s Heroic Effort
Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed provided the spark, forming an unbroken 44-run partnership that would see England over the line. Jacks’ calmness under pressure was evident as he played the game out with precision. His performance was hailed by captain Harry Brook, who praised his impact: “We’ve seen what Rehan can do in the nets.
He played beautifully and took the game away from them.”
Rehan Ahmed, making his first appearance in a T20 World Cup game, demonstrated his class with both bat and ball. His unbeaten 19 (7) was instrumental in England’s victory. Jacks, who scored an unbeaten 32 (18), was equally effusive about Rehan’s performance: “I reckon this is the best. I’m absolutely buzzing with that.”
A Miserable Tournament Continues for Buttler
The tournament has been a difficult one for England captain Jos Buttler, who once again failed to find his rhythm in the limited-overs format. Buttler’s duck came after a dismal run of form, and Brook addressed the concerns: “There’s been a lot said about Jos. He’s played 150 games for England and people need to take a little step back. He’s probably the best white-ball player to play the game.”
England’s Assurance in Group Play
While New Zealand might be left wondering, England can now look forward to topping their group with certainty. Brook expressed confidence in the team’s performance and potential: “We’ve seen what Rehan can do in the nets. He played beautifully and took the game away from them.
There’s conversations to be had. We said from the start of the competition we’re going to select on conditions.”
The win also means England will avoid a semi-final meeting with South Africa, potentially facing either India or West Indies instead.
A Game of Tension and Miracles
England’s victory was far from certain at the start. With Tom Banton’s dismissal in the 17th over leaving them on 117-6 chasing 160, it seemed like a tall order. But Jacks’ magic with both bat and ball turned the tide.
His fourth-wicket partnership with Ahmed provided the spark needed to complete the chase.
Brook’s assessment of the game was spot-on: “We’ve seen what Rehan can do in the nets. He played beautifully and took the game away from them.” The win not only secured England’s top spot but also set a platform for further success, with Banton adding, “Great to get over the line like that.”
New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged his team’s efforts: “The way England paced that chase and the way Willy J and Rehan put the finishing touches to it, it was good batting.” But he also highlighted the turning points in the game: “We set up a good platform to target the last few overs then lost a few wickets to only scrape to 160.”
England’s victory is a testament to their adaptability and resilience, securing their position at the top of Group 2. The next chapter awaits with potential semi-final opponents yet to be determined.
