The T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s delivered pure drama as England snatched a 4-wicket win from New Zealand’s grasp at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Santner, New Zealand’s captain, was all class post-match, stating England ‘showed brilliant cricket and deserve the win.’
Batting first, New Zealand reached 159 for 7 in 20 overs—Phillips 39, Seifert 35 setting the platform. England’s Adil Rashid and Will Jacks responded with 2/2 figures each. In pursuit, England hit rock bottom at 117 for 6, but Jacks (32 off 18) and Rehan Ahmed (19* off 7) unleashed chaos, stitching 44* in 16 balls to seal victory in 19.3 overs.
Jacks’ 22-run assault in the 18th over off Phillips was the dagger. Santner dissected the loss: ‘Tight game. Their chasing, led by Jacks and Ahmed, was superb.’ He critiqued his batters’ late falter, eyeing 170-175 as ideal, and commended Ahmed’s spin mastery.
Semi-final dreams faded for New Zealand with this slip-up. Yet Santner’s verdict captures the match’s essence: England’s never-say-die spirit triumphed. As Super 8s heat up, Jacks and Ahmed’s heroics cement their status as clutch performers, fueling England’s charge while New Zealand recalibrates for survival.