England pulled off a dramatic four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup after what appeared to be a slipping chase was revived by a decisive lower-order partnership.
Chasing 160, England were under pressure with wickets falling at regular intervals and New Zealand firmly in control of the contest. The turning point came when Rehan Ahmed joined Will Jacks at the crease. The duo shifted momentum in a matter of overs, dismantling the Kiwi grip on the game.
Ahmed played a blistering cameo, smashing 19 off just 7 deliveries, injecting urgency into the chase. Jacks provided stability and firepower in equal measure, scoring a crucial 32 off 18 balls and ensuring the equation never spiralled out of reach.
New Zealand had earlier posted 159 for 7, a total that looked competitive on a surface offering assistance to bowlers. For much of England’s innings, the contest hung in balance, with the Black Caps sensing an upset.
However, the Ahmed–Jacks stand proved decisive. Their calculated aggression in the death overs tilted the match England’s way, sealing the target in 19.3 overs.
The victory keeps England’s campaign firmly on track while New Zealand are left ruing a match that had seemed within their grasp until the late surge. [KNT]
