New Delhi: New Zealand were restricted to 159/7 in the stipulated 20 overs in a must-win Super Eight clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 against England. In the tense encounter in Colombo on Friday, the Kiwis
looked poised for a total of around 175-180 in the first innings after being well-placed at 123/3 in 14 overs, with Mitchell Santner still to come.
But England bowlers pulled back things in utmost style to restrict the Kiwis to a modest total. Though 159 happens to a tricky score but they would not have minded 20 more runs with a semifinal spot on the line. In their last Super 8 clash, a win here would take the New Zealand side into the semis, with England already having booked a place.
NEW ZEALAND POST 159/7 AGAINST ENGLAND.
- A win for kiwis seal them the Semis spot. pic.twitter.com/wn8bR7O8dU
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 27, 2026
Must-win clash for Kiwis
If the Kiwis go down in today's encounter against England, their fate will remain on the result of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match on Saturday. Meanwhile, Glenn Phillips top-scored for the side with 39 runs while Tim Seifert emerged as the next best scorer with 35 runs. Finn Allen was out on 29 runs failing to convert a good start while Rachin Ravindra failed to showcase courage putting up just 11 runs on the board.
Rest of the batters in the side succumbed against a classical bowling effort from the English team, where Adil Rashid, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed all claimed two wickets apiece and Liam Dawson picked up a wicket to push the Kiwis against the wall.
