England keep Pakistan T20 World Cup hopes alive by beating New Zealand

England seal top spot in Group 2 at T20 World Cup in Super Eights stage with four-wicket win against New Zealand.Published On 27 Feb 2026England topped their Super Eights group at the T20 World Cup with a four-wicket win against New Zealand, which leaves the latter nervously waiting on Pakistan’s final match at this stage.Tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka are already eliminated, but host Pakistan on Saturday in Pallekele.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4City vs Real Madrid and PSG vs Chelsea to headline Champions League last 16list 2 of 4Barca look to tighten grip on top spot in La Liga with win over Villarreallist 3 of 4Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25 percent stake in Spanish second-tier club Almerialist 4 of 4Real Madrid bans club member over Nazi salute during Benfica matchend of listIf Pakistan are to join England in progressing to the semifinals, they must not only win the match but do so by a margin that will overcome New Zealand’s net run-rate advantage.England’s win against New Zealand at R Premadasa Stadium on Friday, was led by Player of the Match Will Jacks as the 2010 and 2022 champions’ chase overcame their opponents’ 159-7.The early loss of openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, leaving their side on 2-2 after eight balls, put England’s chances of winning the match in doubt.When captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell fell in the space of eight runs to leave England 58-4 in the ninth, the Kiwis looked as though they might turn the screw.Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed (32 and 19) were the heroes to see it home for England in an unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership of 44.Reflecting on his fourth Player of Match award at the tournament, Jacks said, “I reckon this is the best.“I’m buzzing, to be not out at the end – when it was on a knife-edge when I went out there – I’m over the moon.“Rehan played amazingly and put them on the backfoot, and I was able to play off him.“Going into the semifinals, we feel in a strong position with three wins against three very good teams.”Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat first, knowing a win would earn the Kiwis the second semifinal spot from Group 2.