New Zealand swept aside by Englands late blitz

In a nail-biting contest at Pallekele, England overcame New Zealand with a combination of spin magic and a late, explosive batting display. After a tournament of ups and downs, the English team finally sent a strong message — even under pressure, they know how to fight back and win.

Batting first, New Zealand posted 159 for 7. Despite a brisk start in the powerplay, England’s spin attack slowed the Kiwis in the middle overs. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen provided an aggressive opening, but regular wickets prevented the team from building a big total.

Glenn Phillips led the New Zealand innings with a responsible 39 off 28 balls. Towards the end, Mitchell Santner added a six to help the team cross 150. England’s spinners then took control, with Adil Rashid, Will Jacks, and Rehan Ahmed combining to stifle New Zealand’s middle order.

Chasing the target, England suffered an early blow. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler fell quickly to the swing of Matt Henry and the bounce of Lockie Ferguson, leaving the English team reeling at 2 for 2.

Harry Brook showed some resistance but could not stay long. Tom Banton’s 33 off 24 balls steadied the innings, yet by the 17th over, England were 117 for 6 — needing 43 runs from 18 balls, a seemingly impossible task.

The match turned dramatically thanks to Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. In just one over from Glenn Phillips, they scored 22 runs. Rehan smashed a six over long-on, Jacks cleared midwicket, and in the next over, they attacked Mitchell Santner to reduce the equation.

Rehan’s fearless batting — a reverse sweep for four followed by a six over long-off — put England firmly in control. Finally, a winning boundary off Jacks’ bat sealed the match with three balls to spare.

For New Zealand, the loss was disappointing, but their hopes of reaching the semi-finals remain alive. However, missing the chance to close out the match on their own terms will surely leave a sense of regret.