Key Points
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England chase 160 with three balls remaining in Colombo
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New Zealand post 159 for 7 after Santner’s late six
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Semi-final race tightens as Black Caps await Pakistan result
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka. Under humid night skies at the R. Premadasa Stadium, England held their nerve in a dramatic finish to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage on Thursday.
Chasing 160 for victory, England reached 161 for 6 with three balls to spare, delivering a late twist that denied New Zealand an automatic place in the semi-finals.
New Zealand, desperate for a win to confirm qualification, posted 159 for 7 after choosing to bat first. Captain Mitchell Santner provided late momentum, launching a towering six off the final ball of the innings to push the target to exactly 160.
Black Caps post fighting total
The New Zealand innings was built around steady contributions rather than a single dominant knock. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave a measured start before England’s bowlers applied pressure through the middle overs.
Santner’s late strike ensured the total remained competitive on a surface that offered grip for the spinners.
England survive late wobble
England, already through to the semi-finals, approached the chase with calculated aggression. Will Jacks struck a brisk 27 while Rehan Ahmed added a valuable 18, keeping the required rate within reach.
However, the match swung repeatedly in the final overs. With just minutes remaining, win predictors showed New Zealand as heavy favorites, highlighting the pressure England faced.
The turning point came in the penultimate over when England found the boundary at a crucial moment, shifting momentum back in their favor.
Winning moment electrifies Colombo
With four runs needed late in the chase, England produced the decisive blow. A powerful heave to the leg side cleared the longest boundary, sparking celebrations in the England dugout and silencing much of the Colombo crowd.
The chase was completed in 19.3 overs, capping one of the most dramatic finishes of the Super 8 stage.
England Playing XI: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (w), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
New Zealand Playing XI: Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
What it means for the semi-finals
England carry strong momentum into the last four, but the defeat leaves New Zealand’s fate uncertain. The Black Caps must now depend on net run rate and results involving Pakistan to secure the remaining semi-final berth.
The late twist has added fresh drama to an already tight T20 World Cup qualification race.
