Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi shakes hands with England captain Harry Brooke after being dismissed during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP) Already in the semi-finals, England beat New Zealand by four wickets in their final Super Eights match at the T20 World Cup on Friday, completing the unbeaten run and keeping Pakistan in contention for a place in the semi-finals.England now have three wins from three matches in the Super Eights. New Zealand are second in Group 2 with three points, while Pakistan are third with one point. Pakistan need a big win against already eliminated Sri Lanka on Saturday to move ahead of New Zealand and qualify for the semi-finals.Earlier New Zealand opted to bat and posted 159 for 7 in 20 overs. Their batsmen started but did not convert them into bigger scores. Glenn Phillips scored 39, Tim Seifert 35, Finn Allen 29 and Mark Chapman added 15.
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For England, Will Jacks returned 2/23, Adil Rashid took 2/28 and Rehan Ahmed also 2/28. Liam Dawson took 1/32.In response, England were reduced to 2/2 before recovering with contributions from Tom Banton (33), Will Jacks (32 not out), captain Harry Brook (26), Sam Curran (24) and Rehan Ahmed (19 not out). England reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs.For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra was the most successful bowler with figures of 3/19.
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England’s win has kept Pakistan alive in this FIFA World Cup T20 2026. New Zealand and Pakistan remain in the fight for the remaining semi-final spot from the group.To confirm the maths for Pallekele tomorrow: Pakistan will have to beat Sri Lanka by 64 runs or chase in 13.1 overs or NZ will go through.Quick Score:New Zealand: 159 for 7 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 39, Tim Seifert 35; Will Jacks 2/23)England: 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs (Will Jacks 32 not out; Rachin Ravindra 3/19).
