CRICKET – REHAN Ahmed and Will Jacks’ rapid 44-run partnership turned the game as England chased down a target of 160 with three balls to spare and beat New Zealand by four wickets in the Twenty20 World Cup Super Eights yesterday.
England, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, topped Group Two by winning all three of games. New Zealand must wait for the result between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to see if they advance to the last four.
New Zealand posted 159-7 after making a strong start before England’s spinners choked the run flow.
England’s top order struggled and lost wickets regularly, but Ahmed and Jacks plundered 22 runs from the 18th over and sealed victory for the two-time champions with three balls to spare.
Harry Brook’s side showed impressive versatility by bowling 16 overs of spin – the most they have ever sent down in a T20 – with all seven dismissals falling to the slow bowlers.
“I feel really confident right now,” Jacks said. “I feel calm in the middle. If you’re calm and you know what you’re trying to do, then that could be more vital than anything. Going into the semi-finals now, myself and the team, we’re going in the right direction.”
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