ENG vs NZ Live Cricket Score, T20 World Cup 2026: England’s spin trio produce a clinical performance to restrict New Zealand to 159/7 in the crucial Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup. After electing to bat, New Zealand started aggressively but failed to capitalize on their promising start in a match that could have secured them a place in the semi-finals.
Jofra Archer sets the tone early with the fire maiden. Tim Seifert is initially taken aback, but New Zealand successfully review the decision as the records confirm he has no advantage. Archer generates pace and bounce but when he shuffles the slower ball, Finn Allen smashes it for a six.
New Zealand is gaining momentum in the power play. Allen plays with confidence, hitting two sixes while Seifert joins the attack with boundaries and a powerful drive over mid-wicket. The Black Caps finished the first six overs on 54 for no loss, putting England on the back foot briefly.
However, England turned around and the game shifted dramatically. Adil Rashid strikes immediately after being hit for six, flying the ball smartly to lure Seifert out of his crease to stumble. In the following run, Will Jacks removes Allen with a fine dismissal caught at deep mid-wicket.
From there, the English spinners dominate. Rashid, Jacks and Rehan Ahmed apply sustained pressure in the middle overs, preventing big shots and forcing errors. Glenn Phillips tries to steady the innings with 39 off 28 balls but is eventually bowled by Jacks to halt New Zealand’s momentum.
Without a single batsman playing the defining innings, New Zealand look to pick up speed at the death. England’s disciplined spin bowling ensures that the total remains at 159, so they are in a strong position heading into the chase.
England squad: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook(c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed
Team New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway
World Cup T20 Super 8 Table | T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
