Jofra Archer sets the tone early with a fiery maiden over. Tim Seifert is initially given out caught behind, but New Zealand review the decision successfully as replays confirm there is no edge. Archer generates pace and bounce, yet when he mixes in a slower ball, Finn Allen smashes it for six.
New Zealand gain momentum in the powerplay. Allen plays confidently, striking two sixes, while Seifert joins the attack with boundaries and a powerful pull shot over midwicket. The Black Caps finish the first six overs at 54 without loss, putting England briefly on the back foot.
However, England turn to spin and the match shifts dramatically. Adil Rashid strikes immediately after being hit for six, cleverly flighting the ball to tempt Seifert out of his crease for a stumping. In the following over, Will Jacks removes Allen with a soft dismissal caught at deep midwicket.
From there, England’s spinners dominate. Rashid, Jacks and Rehan Ahmed apply sustained pressure in the middle overs, preventing big shots and forcing mistakes. Glenn Phillips attempts to stabilise the innings with 39 off 28 balls but is eventually bowled by Jacks, halting New Zealand’s momentum.
Without a single batter playing a defining innings, New Zealand struggle to accelerate at the death. England’s disciplined spin bowling ensures the total stays at 159, leaving them 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
New Zealand Squad: 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
T20 World Cup Super 8 Points Table | T20 World Cup Schedule 2026
