HIGHLIGHTS England vs New Zealand, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8 - 9 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are all set to commence the second inning! New Zealand, just after entering the field, have been spotted making a huddle. It seems skipper Mitchell Santner has last few words to his teammates before they disperse to take their fielding position. It's Phil Salt and Jos Buttler to open the inning for England. Matt Henry will start with the new ball with a slip in place. Away we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

The Spin Siege - From England's perspective, the Powerplay went really bad. They gave away 54 runs without picking a single wicket. The game turned when Adil Rashid got the opening breakthrough. After that the bowling changes were wrapping one after the other. It was a sensational World Cup debut from Rehan Ahmed as well. He bowled three overs and picked up two wickets, giving 28 runs. Will Jacks and Adil Rashid ended with two wickets each and Liam Dawson chipped in with one. But it would be interesting to see how the Kiwi spinners will get into the action. Please stay tuned for the second innings.

If the ball is there to be hit, we will hit sixes - England's REHAN AHMED comes up for a chat. On cricket seeming pretty easy after a wonderful World Cup debut, Rehan smiles and says that he wishes that the game was easy. Admits that he didn't get the length right on his first ball, but feels grateful that Rachin Ravindra didn't hit it as he ought to. On the nerves before this game, Ahmed credits his teammates, for making it very easy for him and adds that after his first ball, he felt at home. On the pitch, RA says that it's breaking up. Reckons that 160 is about par and feels that England did very well to peg the Kiwis back from around 130/4. On his side's batters going about the run chase, Rehan Ahmed smiles and says that everyone has different approaches. Stresses that if the ball is there to hit, the batters will hit sixes, else they will knock it around. On the knowledge of the surface, Rehan says that he had played some practice matches here and also some one-dayers before the World Cup. Ends by saying that the track is pretty much doing the same way as it has been doing in the past.

Spinners stifle after explosive PP - The Kiwis had a strong start with the bat. Their openers, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, gave the start what any team would love to have in this short format. They had a partnership of 64 runs off 42 balls. In the seventh over, it's Adil Rashid who broke the partnership, picking the wicket of Tim Seifert. After that dismissal, the game opened up for the Three Lions. The Kiwis were forming firm partnerships, but when the batters were trying to accelerate, the English bowlers were chipping with wickets. Glenn Phillips was the man in the middle order who stayed on for quite a long time, scoring 39 runs, but he also got eliminated by Will Jacks right in time.

Evens-stevens? Probably. The Kiwis would be roughly eventually happy with the score, but England would be more than happy for pulling things back really strongly. Remember New Zealand's last match? They posted 168 and they won the clash by 61 runs against Sri Lanka. Well, if we compare the two innings, they are 9 runs short this time, but if the Kiwi spinners react well, it's going to be an entertaining chase after the break.

Rehan Ahmed to Mitchell Santner, SIX! Clean as a whistle! Tossed up, outside off, Mitchell Santner comes down the track and lofts it straight back over the bowler. Clears long off with ease and NEW ZEALAND FINISH ON 159/7!

Rehan Ahmed to Mitchell Santner, Full, outside off, no pace offered, Mitchell Santner goes for a big slog sweep but misses.

Rehan Ahmed to Matt Henry, Full, on middle, chipped down to long on for a single.

3 balls left. Matt Henry walks in next, at number 9, replacing Cole McConchie.

Rehan Ahmed to Cole McConchie, OUT! BOWLED! Rehan bounces back. 7th wicket down and all the wickets have gone to spin! Second for this leggie. Tossed up, but not too much flight, around the leg stump. Cole McConchie gets down on a knee and looks to play the slog sweep but misses. The ball lands and then bounces low a touch, spinning past the outside edge and shatters the stumps. 97/2 BECOMES 152/7!

Rehan Ahmed to Cole McConchie, FOUR! 150 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND. McConchie comes down the track and converts this into a full toss. Whips it towards long on who comes running in, but the ball lands and skids through, taking the fielder by surprise. He misses and the Kiwis profit with a boundary.

Rehan Ahmed to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.

200? 160 looks out of bounds now. How much can New Zealand get in the final over? Rehan Ahmed will bowl the 16th over of spin, the most by any English team in a T20 World Cup match!

Adil Rashid to Cole McConchie, Tossed up, outside off, Cole McConchie winds up for the massive slog sweep but misses as the ball pitches and then spins away past the outside edge. Just 5 runs from the 19th over! Rashid finishes with bowling figures of 4-0-28-2.

Adil Rashid to Cole McConchie, Outside off, pretty full, CM brings out the reverse sweep now. Gets it through point for a couple.

Adil Rashid to Cole McConchie, Landed outside off, another sweep shot employed, but does not result in anything.

Adil Rashid to Cole McConchie, Full, around off, Cole looks to play the slog sweep but gets a bottom edge onto his pads.

Adil Rashid to Cole McConchie, WIDE. Short and spinning a mile down the leg side. McConchie looks to pull but misses.

Adil Rashid to Cole McConchie, Outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.

Adil Rashid to Cole McConchie, Down the leg side, Cole McConchie looks to sweep but misses. No wide given.

Will Jacks to Cole McConchie, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single. A wicket and 7 runs from the over, 10/2 in the last 2!

Will Jacks to Mitchell Santner, Around off, punched down to long off for a single.

Will Jacks to Cole McConchie, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.

Will Jacks to Cole McConchie, FOUR! Nicely done. Full, down the leg side, Cole McConchie gets down and sweeps it behind square leg, getting off the mark with a boundary.

Will Jacks to Cole McConchie, Outside off, punched straight to short third.

This is a proper collapse now. Cole McConchie, one of the heroes from the last game, walks out at number 8, replacing Glenn Phillips, to join his previous match's hero.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, OUT! BOWLED! 6th wicket falls to spin and FROM 97/2, NEW ZEALAND ARE NOW 135/6! Landed outside off, Glenn Phillips reaches out to go inside out. But he is not to the pitch of the ball and attempts to initially drive through the covers, but then, probably, through mid off. But he is late in adjusting and the ball lands, spins back in massively, takes the bottom edge and hits the stumps. Big, big blow, as Phillips was playing spin really well.

Liam Dawson to Glenn Phillips, On middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run. A wicket and 3 runs from the over, Liam Dawson ends with bowling figures of 4-0-32-1.

Liam Dawson to Mitchell Santner, Full, around off, Mitchell Santner drives it through mid off for a single to get off the mark.

New Zealand are losing their way slightly here. Enters the skipper, Mitchell Santner, at number 7, replacing Daryl Mitchell.

Liam Dawson to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! CAUGHT! The dots create the pressure and a wicket falls. Floated, outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to go down the ground but just cannot get to the pitch of the ball. Hence, he toe-ends it and the ball goes towards long off, where Will Jacks makes no mistake. Mitchell admonishes himself as he walks back, and from 97/2, NEW ZEALAND ARE NOW 133/5!

Liam Dawson to Daryl Mitchell, Lovely bowling again. Tossed up, outside off, no pace offered, Mitchell shapes up for the reverse pull this time, but gets beaten once more.

Liam Dawson to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, outside off, 90.6 kph, Daryl Mitchell gets down and winds up for a big slog sweep. But he is very early into the shot and gets a thick inside edge which rolls down to short fine leg.

Liam Dawson to Glenn Phillips, Short, outside off, Glenn Phillips rocks back and punches it through the covers for a single.

Rehan Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Short, outside off, Glenn rocks back and punches it through the covers for another single.

Rehan Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Outside off, worked through mid-wicket for one.

Rehan Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Short, around off, Glenn Phillips goes back and drags the pull towards long on for a single.

Rehan Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller, outside off, driven through mid off for another single.

Rehan Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Short, outside off, Phillips cuts it through point where Jofra Archer does well to half-stop the ball with a dive. Keeps the batters to a single.

Rehan Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Full, on middle, Glenn Phillips leans and works this through mid-wicket for a couple.

Rehan Ahmed is back on. 1-0-9-1 so far.

Adil Rashid to Daryl Mitchell, Full and around middle, Mitchell lunges to flick but misses the googly and is hit on the pads.

Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, Short, outside off, punched towards long off for a single.

Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, Outside off, cut straight to point.

Adil Rashid to Daryl Mitchell, Full and straight, Daryl Mitchell works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Adil Rashid to Daryl Mitchell, Full and straight, Mitchell comes forward to defend.

Another left-hander coming out? Nope. Daryl Mitchell walks in next, at number 6, replacing Mark Chapman.

Adil Rashid to Mark Chapman, OUT! STUMPED! And spin strikes straightaway after the break! Clever bowling once again. Rashid senses that Chapman might have a go at him and tosses this beautifully, slowing the pace down. Chapman does come down the track and swings, but is not to the pitch of the ball. He misses but the keeper doesn't. Jos Buttler collects the ball and whips the bails off with ease. Chapman departs after a brief innings and from 97/2, NEW ZEALAND ARE 123/4!

DRINKS BREAK. 69/3 in the last 8 overs post the Powerplay. New Zealand are clearly not backing down, or happy with a 170-ish total. They are pretty much aware about England's batting depth and are definitely eyeing the 200-mark. Despite the excellent run rate, one cannot call this a belter, though it does look a bit better than the one which hosted the New Zealand-Sri Lanka clash. You never know, if dew does arrive later, then the pitch might get better to bat on. Irrespective, England will hope to keep the Kiwis under 190 from here on. Adil Rashid comes back on. 2-0-21-1 so far.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, Full and straight, GP drives it back to the bowler.

Will Jacks to Mark Chapman, Another short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, A long hop, outside off, Phillips gets down and sweeps this to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, WIDE. Short, but spinning down the leg side. Glenn looks to pull but misses. Good take by Buttler.

Will Jacks to Mark Chapman, Short, around off, Mark Chapman pulls this through mid-wicket for a single.

Will Jacks to Mark Chapman, Comes down the track and whips this over mid-wicket for a couple.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, Will Jacks comes back on. 2-0-9-1 so far. Starts with a shortish ball, outside off, Glenn Phillips looks to cut but gets a bit of an under edge towards cover. Takes the single.

Liam Dawson to Mark Chapman, FOUR MORE! Brook leaves mid-wicket open and Chapman goes right through there! Full, on middle, Mark Chapman comes down the track and whips it over mid-wicket, finding the gap and the boundary! 10 from the over!

Liam Dawson to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Well hit. It is the longer part of the boundary and because of that, Phil Salt is well inside the ropes, probably to stop the twos. Fractionally short, around middle and leg, Mark Chapman goes back and whips it well over Salt. It lands around a metre inside the ropes and goes beyond.

Liam Dawson to Glenn Phillips, Quicker and wider outside off, Glenn Phillips carves this over cover for a single.

Liam Dawson to Glenn Phillips, Shortish, outside off, Glenn Phillips slaps it to the cover fielder.

Liam Dawson to Glenn Phillips, Short, on middle and leg, angling in, Glenn Phillips rocks back and misses his flick and wears it on his pad. An LBW appeal goes around, but the umpire remains unmoved as it's clearly going down the leg side.

Liam Dawson to Mark Chapman, That's gone high, but drops safely! This is a touch fuller, pitching on off and turning in, to straighten the delivery. Mark Chapman attempts to swat it, but gets the top edge. The ball lobs and drops safely, just behind the wide mid on region. The long on fielder comes sprinting, but it drops much short of him. A single taken.

Liam Dawson returns. 2-0-19-0 so far.

Rehan Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Short, around off, Glenn goes back and pulls this through mid-wicket for a couple. 9 runs and a wicket to kickstart Rehan Ahmed's T20 World Cup career.

Rehan Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! TONK! Pretty full, outside off, Phillips comes forward and lofts this powerfully over mid off for a boundary!

Rehan Ahmed to Mark Chapman, 100 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND. Inside the 12th over. By David Lloyd's philosophy, teams with good batting depth can double their score post the 12-over mark. 200 would be a real handful on this deck. Full, on middle, Mark Chapman eases this down to long on for a single.

Rehan Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Short, outside off, Glenn Phillips punches it to cover for one.

Rehan Ahmed to Mark Chapman, Short, outside off, Mark Chapman pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

What a way to get your first World Cup wicket. Mark Chapman walks in next, at number 5, replacing Rachin Ravindra.

Rehan Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, OUT! TAKEN! Would you believe it? It's a dream start for Rehan Ahmed. England desperately needed a wicket. They made a change before this over to bring in Jacob Bethell, but it didn't work. This time it's Rehan Ahmed and he starts off with flying colours. This is short, and wide outside off, asking for the batter to hit it across the line as it's the shorter side. Rachin Ravindra falls into the trap as he goes deep inside the crease and pulls it, but gets the toe end of the bat. The ball flies flat to the left and front of Jacob Bethell, who takes a great catch in the deep mid-wicket region. The budding 31-run stand has been broken and NEW ZEALAND ARE 97/3 AFTER 11.1 OVERS!

Debut time! Here's Rehan Ahmed to bowl his first ball in his maiden T20 World Cup match.

Jacob Bethell to Glenn Phillips, Very full, outside off, Glenn hammers this through the covers for a couple. 13 from Bethell's opener.

Jacob Bethell to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! THWACK! Phillips has come out and looked in tremendous touch. Full, around off, Phillips comes forward and hammers this straight back past the bowler. The ball races down the ground and despite both, long on and long off being present, bisects them!

Jacob Bethell to Rachin Ravindra, Dropped short, around leg stump, Rachin Ravindra goes back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a single.

Jacob Bethell to Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Bethell drags his length back once again, outside off, Rachin Ravindra covers the stumps and looks to flick it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Jacob Bethell to Rachin Ravindra, Short, around middle, Rachin Ravindra rocks back and nudges it with soft hands to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

Jacob Bethell to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Rachin Ravindra gives a warm greeting to Bethell! Low full toss to offer, on the fourth stump. Rachin Ravindra bends his back leg a bit and heaves it uppishly, toward the left of the bowler for four runs. The ball zips like a tracer bullet and dissects the long on and long off fielders.

Halfway mark reached. New Zealand are 84/2 and looking on course for a 180-ish total. Time to test Jacob Bethell's fitness. Here he is, to bowl just for the first time in this tournament, after his 4-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, just before the start of the World Cup.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, No run, that is flicked away but straight to the fielder.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, EDGED, FOUR! Excellent bowling. Quicker ball, short of full, outside off. Phillips stays back and pokes at it, but the ball skids through, takes the outside edge and flies straight to first slip. But there is none and the ball races to the deep third fence.

Will Jacks to Rachin Ravindra, Landed outside off, 75.8 kph, short in length, Rachin Ravindra goes back and punches it through the covers for a single.

Will Jacks to Rachin Ravindra, Swing and a miss! Shorter one now, pitching it just outside off and spinning it away from the left-hander. Rachin Ravindra opens his stance to pull it away, but the ball grips on the deck and beats the upper part of the blade.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, A touch fuller, pitching on leg and turning it away from the leg pole. Glenn Phillips goes deep into the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Will Jacks to Rachin Ravindra, Jacks pitches it up, on the fifth stump, Rachin Ravindra leans on the delivery and gives it a push through cover for a single.

Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, Quicker again. Short and at the off stump, Glenn chooses to stay behind again but the ball skids through after pitching, cramping him for room and the bat comes down just in time to punch the ball towards point. 11 from the over.

Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! That's 10 runs in the last 2 deliveries. Excellent batsmanship, as Glenn Phillips expects this to be short and quick. So he stays deep in his crease, picks the length in a trice and pulls it through square leg for a boundary!

Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, SIX! THUNDEROUS! Googly, around off, fuller in length, Glenn Phillips picks the wrong 'un, lunges and flicks it powerfully over mid-wicket!

Adil Rashid to Rachin Ravindra, Short, around off, Rachin Ravindra gets on his back foot and punches it to the left of the cover fielder, who makes a half stop with his expansive dive. Single taken.

Adil Rashid to Rachin Ravindra, Appeal for LBW, but turned down by the umpire! Tossed up, around leg and fuller in length. Rachin Ravindra attempts to sweep it but misses and is hit on the front pad. The replay shows that the ball is pitching outside leg.

Adil Rashid to Rachin Ravindra, Slower through the air and a googly as well, on middle. Rachin Ravindra flicks it to short fine leg.

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, In line of the stumps, Phillips goes back and nurdles it towards square leg. A wicket and 2 runs from the over, 12/2 in the last 2 overs!

Will Jacks to Glenn Phillips, Full, on middle, Glenn Phillips works it towards short mid-wicket.

One brings two. Glenn Phillips walks in next, at number 4, replacing Finn Allen.

Will Jacks to Finn Allen, OUT! CAUGHT! That is a real gift for England. Full, on middle and leg, Finn Allen comes forward and whips this pretty nonchalantly. However, he is not able to keep the ball down and it goes straight to deep mid-wicket, where the stationed Jacob Bethell makes no mistake! And just like that, from 64/0, New Zealand are now 66/2!

Will Jacks to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller, on off and middle, Rachin Ravindra clips it across the line through square leg for a single.

Will Jacks to Rachin Ravindra, Loopy yorker now, on off, Rachin Ravindra jams it back to the bowler.

Will Jacks to Finn Allen, Jacks comes around the wicket, bowls it much fuller, outside off. Finn Allen lunges and drills it to long off for a single.

Consolidation time? Or keep pressing on? Rachin Ravindra has been sent in at number 3, replacing Tim Seifert, to have a left-right combination. Will Jacks has been given the ball as well.

Adil Rashid to Tim Seifert, OUT! STUMPED! Rashid hands England their first breakthrough. Beautifully tossed up, outside off, fuller in length. Seifert goes for a wild heave through the leg side, aiming for a slog, but Rashid smartly slows the pace down. As a result, the shot is already played while the ball arrives late and then spins a mile away after pitching. Goes past the bat and the keeper, Jos Buttler, collects the ball and quickly whips the bails off. Seifert is already walking off and is about to cross the ropes, when the fourth umpire stops him from crossing the ropes, stating that the decision has been referred upstairs. The replay shows that Seifert's foot was on the line and he continues his march towards the dugout. A quickfire knock after a sluggish start and he has done his part in giving his side a good platform. New Zealand are 64/1 after 7 overs!

Stumped? There is a stumping appeal against Seifert which has been referred upstairs, but he is already walking off! Just one replay is enough to understand why.

Adil Rashid to Tim Seifert, SIX! THUMP! Shorter in length, outside off, Tim Seifert goes back and pulls it massively over mid-wicket!

Adil Rashid to Finn Allen, Short, outside off, Finn Allen backs away and slaps it over mid off for a single.

Adil Rashid to Tim Seifert, Short of a length, on off, googly, Tim Seifert hangs back and punches it to long on to take one more run.

Adil Rashid to Finn Allen, Rashid drags his length back, pitching it outside off, turning away from the batter. Finn Allen rocks back and slaps it from the toe end of his willow to long off for another single.

Adil Rashid to Tim Seifert, Adil Rashid jogs from over the wicket and delivers it fuller, on off, Tim Seifert drives it gently to long off for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. 17 runs in the first 3 overs, with the first being a maiden, while the last 3 going for 37 runs. As always, assessing the conditions is the key and the Kiwis have done that to near perfection. Yes, they could have been out caught behind on another day, but what matters is the fact that they adapted brilliantly once the new ball started to stop moving around. As of now, England have not yet hit the right line or length consistently. Archer was brilliant in his first two overs but after that, there has been too much width or the line has been a bit too straight. Let's see how the middle passage goes, with Adil Rashid coming onto bowl.

Sam Curran to Finn Allen, Curran finishes off with a pacey, on a length, on middle, angling in. Finn Allen tucks it to the left of the fine leg fielder, who dives but fails to make a stop. Meanwhile, the batter gets a couple of runs between the sticks.

Sam Curran to Finn Allen, There is the short delivery, on middle, Finn Allen makes a leave at it.

Sam Curran to Tim Seifert, Another fuller delivery, on middle, Tim Seifert pushes it to mid on and gets a quick single.

Sam Curran to Finn Allen, On a good length, outside off, Finn Allen hits it wide of long on for a single.

Sam Curran to Finn Allen, SIX! This is outstanding batting from Allen! Another slower delivery from Curran, angling in, around the pad of the batter. Finn Allen waits for the delivery to arrive and then flicks it with a perfect connection from the middle of the bat to sail it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Sam Curran to Finn Allen, Sam Curran starts off with a slower one, on off, Finn Allen respects the delivery and eases it to cover.

Final over of the Powerplay. That last over might have just made it New Zealand's. Sam Curran comes in as the first bowling change.

Jofra Archer to Finn Allen, On a length, outside off, Finn Allen goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run. 16 from the over!

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, On a length, outside off, there to be hit, Tim goes for a big heave ho through the leg side, but loses his shape. Gets it off the inner half of the bat through square leg and the batters pinch a single.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, SIX! Oohhh... all of a sudden, Brook's decision to go for Archer's third in the Powerplay is seeming questionable. A short ball, outside off, pretty quick, but Tim Seifert is ready. Stays back and pulls it over mid-wicket with absolute disdain!

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, FOUR MORE! One brings two. Archer does not give width but lands the ball on a length outside off. Seifert backs away to the leg side and slaps it over mid off for boundaries in succession!

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, FOUR! THRASH! That will make Seifert a lot happier. First real delivery from Archer that the batter has actually managed to have any say on. Width from Jofra, a rarity, on a length outside off, Tim Seifert cashes in and slaps it over cover for a boundary.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, The Kiwis just cannot lay any bat on Archer! A quick short ball, outside off, Tim Seifert goes for the pull but misses.

Rest for Jofra? He was literally steaming in that previous over of his. Nope. Is going for his third straight over.

Liam Dawson to Tim Seifert, In the air... but lands safely! Flat and fuller, on the fifth stump. Tim Seifert charges down the track and mistimes his heave from the outer half of the bat. Luckily, the ball lobs and drops much short of the long off fielder, who is charging to take the catch. Single taken.

Liam Dawson to Finn Allen, Dawson drags his length back once again, angling in, on leg, Finn Allen pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Liam Dawson to Tim Seifert, Shortish now, on off, Tim Seifert opens his hips and slaps it to long off. Single taken.

Liam Dawson to Finn Allen, Short, on middle, Finn Allen nudges it to the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Liam Dawson to Finn Allen, SIX! Excellent use of the feet! Liam Dawson tosses it up, not that full, on off and middle. Finn Allen skips down the track and smashes it to clear the long off fence for half a dozen.

Liam Dawson to Tim Seifert, Yorker to start the new over, on off. Tim Seifert looks to punch it through cover with cross-bat, but gets nicked on the inside edge. The ball rolls to the left of the short fine leg fielder and the batter gets a single.

Jofra Archer to Finn Allen, Back of a length, outside off. Tim Seifert gets a long way across to pull it over the keeper but misses again.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, On middle and off, punched wide of mid on, to his left, for a run.

Jofra Archer to Finn Allen, On a length, around off, coming in, pushed down towards mid on for a single.

Jofra Archer to Finn Allen, SIX! TAKE THAT! After successive quick deliveries, Archer goes for the change up. Slows the pace down and lands it pretty full, around off. But Allen picks the change in pace and waits for the ball. And then, on arrival, whips it powerfully over mid-wicket and it goes all the way, registering the first six of the match.

Jofra Archer to Finn Allen, A sharp short ball now, just outside off. Finn Allen looks to play this through the off side but the ball keeps on rising and beats the outside edge.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, On a length, outside off, 147.3 kph, coming in, Tim Seifert looks to heave it over the leg side, but misses. The ball nips back in, hits the thigh pad and deflects to the off side. The batters take a single and a leg bye is signalled.

Liam Dawson to Tim Seifert, Short, on leg, Tim Seifert nudges it to wide mid-wicket and gets a single.

Liam Dawson to Tim Seifert, FOUR! This is smart batting from Seifert. A tad shorter, pitching on middle and angling in. Tim Seifert crouches down on one knee and sweeps it up and over the mid-wicket region for four runs. That's the first boundary of the inning.

Liam Dawson to Tim Seifert, Liam pushes it fuller, on off, Tim Seifert couldn't quite connect the reverse sweep. The ball bounces off to the cover-point fielder.

Liam Dawson to Tim Seifert, Flat and much fuller this time, around the pads of the batter. Tim Seifert makes room and rolls his wrists to flick it through square leg. They sprint hard for the first run and get the second in time.

Liam Dawson to Finn Allen, A touch fuller, just outside off, Finn Allen gets on his front foot and drives it to long off to take a single and gets off the mark.

Liam Dawson to Finn Allen, Liam Dawson comes from around the wicket and bowls fuller, on middle, angling in. Finn Allen rocks back and pats it back to the bowler.

True to his name, Archer was on the mark in that opening over. The spin of Liam Dawson will share the new-ball attack.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, A maiden! On a length, outside off, cutting back in again, Seifert looks to tuck it away but misses and is hit on the thigh.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, TIM SEIFERT OVERTURNS A CAUGHT-BEHIND DECISION. Irrespective, another good nut from Archer. On back of a length, outside off, Seifert looked to heave it to the leg side. But the ball jagged back in a long way and beat him, going past something to the keeper. There was a noise and the bowler started to celebrate straightaway, then appealing for the catch. However, Buttler was not sure. Did not matter though, as the umpire raised his finger! Seifert immediately decided to take it upstairs and UltraEdge showed a spike, but when the ball was near the pad, not the bat. The third umpire then decided to check for LBW, but Ball Tracking showed the ball to be going over the stumps. Eventually, the decision is reversed and Seifert plays on.

Given out caught behind! But Seifert has reviewed this immediately. The naked eye seems to indicate a big gap between bat and ball. And UltraEdge confirms that the ball has missed the bat. NOT OUT!

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, That's a jaffa. Archer lands this on a three-quarter length, on the seam, just outside off, TS looks to defend but the ball lands and then jags back in, past the inside edge and over the stumps to the keeper. Archer starts to appeal for the catch but gets no support from his keeper.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, Exaggerated seam movement this time. On a length, outside off, Tim gets a long way across his stumps and looks to scoop this over short fine leg but the ball seams in a long way and beats him.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, A touch shorter now, outside off. Seifert has a big go at it, aiming to go over the off side, but there is a little bit of away seam movement which takes the ball past the outside edge.

Jofra Archer to Tim Seifert, After all that drama, Jofra Archer starts with a 124.8 kph ball. That's possibly the slowest he could have ever bowled. On a length, outside off, coming in with the angle, Tim Seifert defends it down the track.

Friday's action to commence! We are all ready to begin this Friday evening clash. The two openers - Tim Seifert and Finn Allen - get ready to walk out to the middle. Way before them, the English have already finished their pre-match huddle and spread out to the middle. It will be Jofra Archer to start things off and he is fervently preparing his field. Still not ready. Jofra wants this absolutely perfect. Does not want a slip. Now, that's interesting already. Alright. Finally, we are set to go. Seifert to face. Here we go!

National anthems - Time for the anthems. The match officials and the two teams walk out to the middle. It will be New Zealand's first, followed by that of England.

In knockouts, all that matters is the result - England's WILL JACKS agreed to catch up with Ian Ward a few minutes before the toss. On the team's progress to the semis, Jacks feels that the team is moving in the right direction and to have good results is outstanding. Believes that tonight's match would be a good test of the team's spirit and nerves. On the consistent yet patchy display by England so far, Will feels that when you get to the knockouts, it does not matter how you play, and all that matters is the result. Hence, he feels that tonight is a great opportunity to test themselves and feels that if his side does well, it will give great confidence heading into the semis. Ward now asks the meaning of the word 'being brave' in skipper Harry Brook's statement. WJ explains that they saw the NZ-SL clash a couple of nights ago and saw how the pitch played. So, he adds that in this case, the definition of brave could be different, which could mean to bat deep. On his own performance so far, Will Jacks says that it has been really good. Adds that he is really enjoying batting in pressure moments as he can have a massive impact on the game despite playing a fewer number of balls. States that he has really embraced it now and is looking forward to keep working on it. On Brook throwing the ball to him regularly these days, Jacks says that whenever he is needed, he is always ready to bowl. Details that's how their bowler-captain relationship is. Also adds that in T20 cricket, bowlers need to get used to 1-over spells. Ward finally asks about Jacks' expectations from the deck. To that, Will replies that England trained here last night and got some information on the conditions. Stresses that whatever they do first - bat or bowl - it is important to get that information and spread it within the group. Ends by saying that New Zealand bowled 17 overs of spin the other night, so you never know what to expect from the deck.

Would have batted as well - The captain of England, HARRY BROOK, admits that he would have batted as well, had he won the toss. Opines that there seems to be plenty of spin on the track, which was visible from the NZ-SL match. Calls the Kiwis an amazing side. Cheekily adds that if his side can beat them and knock the Black Caps out, it would be great for confidence, so the unit is looking to take it to New Zealand. On the nervy win in England's last match, Brook states that England have fielded amazingly throughout the competition. Calls the batting lapse as a bit of a mis-execution, but is happy with the way the guys have shown energy in the field. Goes onto say that he is okay with the mis-executions, as long as the players show the right intent, energy and attitude. Regarding the number 3 position, Brook affirms that he will come out at 3 again tonight. On the team news, Harry informs that Jamie Overton is out, while Rehan Ahmed comes in.

Does look the same - The skipper of New Zealand, MITCHELL SANTNER, is first asked about the qualification scenarios by Mike Atherton. To that, Santner replies saying that you have got to win games, if you have to win World Cups. Adds that England are a great team and the Kiwis have to play well. Goes on to say that he just had a look at the wicket and believes that it does look the same as it was against Sri Lanka. Cheekily adds that it did play pretty fair in that match, and if it stays the same, then the plans stay the same, but if it plays better, then they need to adjust their plans accordingly. On recovering from a tricky situation in their last match against Sri Lanka, Mitchell smiles and says that back in New Zealand, the players are used to playing in those types of situations. Explains that his team just tried to make things simpler - while bowling make the batters use the longer part of the square boundary and while batting, be smart and use the shorter side. On the team news, MS informs that New Zealand are going unchanged from their previous game.

England (Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed (IN FOR JAMIE OVERTON), Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.

New Zealand (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson.

TOSS - Time for the flip of the coin. Might turn out to be very influential in this contest. The two captains are out in the middle - Harry Brook and Mitchell Santner. Brook will give the coin a toss, while Santner will call. Tails is the call and it comes down as a tail. NEW ZEALAND CHOOSE TO BAT FIRST.

PITCH REPORT - Okay, so we have put in our expectations, but let's see what do the experts reckon. Former England captain Nasser Hussain greets us first up. Straightaway says that the weather is set to be absolutely fair this evening, with no rain expected. Informs that the same pitch which hosted the New Zealand-Sri Lanka game will be in use tonight as well. Informs on the irregular dimensions of the ground, stating that down the ground, the distance is 75 metres, but on the sides, while one side reads 75, the other is just 62. Nasser then brings the 2021 World Cup winning captain, Aaron Finch in, for his thoughts on the surface, stating that the pitch did turn in that NZ-SL game, but the spinners also used the dimensions nicely. Finch agrees and observes the deck, calling it absolutely bare and bone dry. Believes that there hasn't been too much water put on this pitch. Feels that the Kiwis have got an advantage as they have already played on this deck. Also affirms Hussain's statement on the spinners, noting that the Black Caps, in particular, did not bowl too much at the stumps in that match, making the batters reach out to access the shorter side. Hence, Finchy's advice to the bowlers is to make sure they adapt with the ball and keep targeting that boundary dimension difference square of the wicket.

Pitch expectations - The news is that the surface in use for today's clash would be the same one on which the New Zealand-Sri Lanka match was played. Skipper Dasun Shanaka heavily criticized the curator for dishing out excessive spin in a T20 format, but the counter argument to that would be that the Kiwis themselves battled it out from a grim situation. So it has to be fairplay to the Black Caps' skill rather than blaming the curator. Coming to this match though, it would be interesting whether either side plans to accommodate an extra spinner. The Kiwis used Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Ish Sodhi in their last match, and have an additional option in Mark Chapman if needed. So don't think they will make any change regarding this department. The English, on the other hand, used three spin options in their last match - Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid and Will Jacks. They do have the option of Jacob Bethell, but ever since Bethell sustained a cut on his left ring finger while fielding during England's match against the West Indies, he has not been bowling. They have Rehan Ahmed in their squad but, would they need that fourth spinner on this deck? The toss could be crucial though - In six games at the Premadasa in this World Cup, only one has been won by the side chasing (Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka). NZ defended 168 in their last match, so bat first, cross 170 and then bowl wicket to wicket would be the mantra.

Pressure on Buttler? 3, 3, 7 and 2 - these are Jos Buttler's returns in his last 4 innings. Digging further, his last half century in international cricket was way back in September 2025, against South Africa in Manchester - that's 18 innings prior in international cricket and 13 in T20Is alone. Buttler has featured in 3 Men's ODI World Cups and 3 Champions Trophy editions while this is his 7th T20 World Cup alone. That's a total of 13 ICC events - enough experience to suggest that he would not be too perturbed with his loss of form. But do the selectors feature on the same page? So far, they have shown enough faith in their inconsistent batters to field the same playing XI for the last 5 games. But with the openers not able to lay a platform, the patience will be running out, with Ben Duckett waiting in the wings. Additionally, even though this is not an important match for England in terms of qualification, but it would determine where they finish. They could use this opportunity to test their bench strength but at the same time, wonder whether there is any need, with the semis coming knocking at the door, unless of course, anyone has any niggle.

Pride on the horizon - This game is not just a potential quarterfinal for the Kiwis. They have their pride on the line as well. 2016 - Semifinalists | 2021 - Runners up | 2022 - Semifinalists | 2024 - Group stage exit. These are New Zealand's finishes in the last four T20 World Cups - at least a semifinal spot on 3 occasions. The next stage of reaching the final will definitely be a case but for now, reaching the semifinal would be the basic expectation from the Kiwis, which would mean a fourth semifinal spot in the last 5 T20 World Cups. At the same time, England, albeit qualified for the next stage, would want to enter the semis unbeaten. Hello and a warm welcome to the 9th match of the Super Eights between England and New Zealand at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

... MATCH DAY ...

Super 8 showdown in Colombo - As the Super 8 stage tightens its grip, England and New Zealand collide in Match 9 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a contest layered with context and consequence. England have already punched their ticket to the semi-finals with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, yet they will be eager to complete a perfect Super 8 sweep and carry winning momentum forward. For New Zealand, the path is clear - win, and they are through. Even in defeat, their formidable Net Run Rate of +3.050 keeps them ahead of Pakistan's -0.461, but a heavy loss could complicate matters. The stakes are defined, the margins razor-thin. Built for tournament cricket - England may not have dominated games outright, but they have mastered the art of winning key moments. Against Pakistan, they were wobbling before Harry Brook's bold move up to No. 3 paid off spectacularly. His match-winning century made him the first captain to score a T20 World Cup hundred and placed him alongside Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan as the only English batters with tons in all three formats. Buttler's tournament has been underwhelming statistically, averaging 10.33, but with qualification secured, freedom could unlock his best. Phil Salt's crucial 62 against Sri Lanka proved decisive, while six different batters crossing 100 runs reflect impressive depth. Will Jacks' all-round contributions have been invaluable, Jofra Archer has surged back with 10 wickets, and the spin pairing of Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson has shared 18 wickets. Add Jamie Overton and Sam Curran, and England possess enviable balance. Composed under pressure - New Zealand's campaign has been built on composure. Three group-stage victories set the tone before their Super 8 opener was washed out. A tricky transition to Sri Lankan conditions nearly caught them out when they slipped to 84/6, but Mitchell Santner's explosive 47 off 26, alongside Cole McConchie, revived the innings. Rachin Ravindra then turned match-winner with 4/27, underlining how effectively their spin resources have adapted. Their explosive opening duo of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have combined for 341 runs, Glenn Phillips owns the highest average in the squad, and Ravindra's all-round rhythm adds confidence. More is expected from Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, but with Lockie Ferguson's pace, Matt Henry's consistency and Santner's control, the Kiwis remain well equipped. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - England - WWWWL | New Zealand - WWLWW. Colombo's turning point - The R Premadasa Stadium traditionally offers assistance to spinners, and this could shape the narrative. New Zealand already showed their hand by bowling 17 overs of spin in the last game, while England's Rashid and Dawson have thrived in similar conditions. Interestingly, both batting units have at times looked uncomfortable against quality spin, setting up a fascinating middle-overs duel. With turn, grip and tactical nous likely to influence proceedings, this Super 8 clash could ultimately hinge on which side masters Colombo's slow-burning chessboard.