Ahmed and Jacks Rally to Lead England to Thrilling Win Over New Zealand
T20 World Cup, Super 8s, Group 2
New Zealand 159-7 (20 overs): Phillips 39 (28); Jacks 2-23
England 161-6 (19.3 overs): Banton 33 (24), Jacks 32* (18)
England will carry significant momentum into the T20 World Cup semi-finals after Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed secured a gripping four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Colombo.
Already assured of progression, England required 42 runs from the final 17 balls on a slow pitch that heavily favored spin bowling throughout the match.
Ahmed struck a massive straight six, and Jacks followed with one of his own, then added two more fours, accumulating 21 runs from five balls bowled by off-spinner Glenn Phillips.
Ahmed lofted Mitchell Santner for another six off the last ball of the 19th over, leaving England needing five runs from the final over. They completed their fifth consecutive victory with three balls to spare.
Jacks remained unbeaten on 32 from 18 balls, while Ahmed was not out on 19 from seven deliveries. The pair combined for a 44-run partnership in 16 balls.
Both Jacks and Ahmed contributed with the ball as well, each taking two wickets, helping restrict New Zealand to 159-7.
Harry Brook's team demonstrated impressive versatility by bowling 16 overs of spin—the most they have ever bowled in a T20 match—with all seven New Zealand wickets falling to slow bowlers.
This result means England will almost certainly participate in Thursday's second semi-final in Mumbai, having navigated a series of tight finishes to reach this stage.
New Zealand currently hold second place but could be overtaken by Pakistan if they secure a substantial win against the already-eliminated Sri Lanka on Saturday.
England Click Into Gear
'Goodness me!' - Ahmed smashes six 'out of nowhere' to give England hope
England had been waiting to find their rhythm in this tournament. While this win was not flawless, it was undoubtedly their best performance so far.
Jacks is experiencing the best form of his career, a streak that poses a serious threat to opponents.
His runs, combined with his bowling figures of 2-23, were match-winning and earned him the player-of-the-match award for the fourth time in this competition.
However, Jacks might not have achieved this without the support of 21-year-old Ahmed, whose six off the second ball he faced injected life into the chase during his first World Cup match.
Ahmed's second six, hit off the experienced Santner, effectively sealed the victory.
Ahmed, who also took a wicket with his first ball, was selected specifically for the conditions in Colombo. England will have to consider whether they can afford to leave him out next week.
A significant concern remains the form of Jos Buttler, who was dismissed for a two-ball duck—his fifth consecutive single-figure score.
Phil Salt was also dismissed early, nicking off in the first over, while Brook scored 21, Jacob Bethell 21, Tom Banton 33, and Sam Curran 24—all valuable contributions but not match-defining.
Jacks and Ahmed ensured that the focus would not be on these shortcomings. England may face India in Mumbai next week, a prospect that promises to be a remarkable occasion.
'You're joking!' - Buttler's 'miserable run' continues with two-ball duck
Spin to Win for England
Although Mumbai is expected to offer decent turn, England are unlikely to encounter such spin-friendly conditions for the remainder of the tournament.
Nonetheless, their adaptability was impressive. After Jofra Archer bowled three overs and Sam Curran one in the powerplay, no further pace bowling was used.
Archer began strongly, delivering a maiden over that beat the bat four times. He was unfortunate not to take an early wicket, which allowed Tim Seifert and Finn Allen to build a 64-run partnership.
Moeen Ali's Rashid Khan had Seifert stumped before Brook dismantled the middle order with his spin bowlers—Ahmed caught Rachin Ravindra at mid-wicket in the 12th over.
Jacks bowled with accuracy and took crucial wickets, including Allen, caught at deep mid-wicket for 29, and the dangerous Phillips for 39.
Phillips was bowled by a sharply turning delivery that hit the all-rounder's stumps. Ahmed then bowled the final over of the innings for the first time in his international career.
England's campaign had been inconsistent through matches against Nepal, West Indies, Scotland, and Italy, but now a strong sense of belief is emerging within the squad.
'That ball has turned a mile' - Jacks bowls Phillips with brilliant delivery
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