New Zealand missed the chance to join England in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, as Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed starred in a nerve-jangling four-wicket win for Harry Brook's team.

England had clinched a semi-final berth after beating Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and they finished the Super 8s with a 100% record after dramatically chasing down a target of 159, meaning Pakistan could advance at the Black Caps' expense if they beat Sri Lanka on Saturday.

After New Zealand chose to bat, England endured a wicketless first six overs (54-0) – just the second time they have done so in a T20I since the start of 2025.

It looked as though the floodgates may open when Tim Seifert (35) was stumped by Jos Buttler, with Finn Allen (29) following four balls later, but the Black Caps hung in there.

They reached 97-2 before losing Rachin Ravindra for 11, with Ahmed taking his first World Cup wicket, while Glenn Phillips (39 off 28) continued to plug away.

Jacks (2-28) sent stumps flying to dispose of Phillips in the 18th over, and Ahmed finished 2-28, but late runs from Cole McConchie (14) and Mitchell Santner (9 not out) helped New Zealand to 159-7 – only just short of the total they defended against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. 

It looked as though they would get over the line once again as England lost Phil Salt (2) and Buttler (0) within eight balls, while Phillips dismissed Brook (26) and took a glorious catch to account for Jacob Bethell (21), dropping them to 58-4.

Ravindra's third wicket, which sent Tom Banton walking for 33, looked to have finished the contest, with England requiring a hefty 43 runs from three overs on a poor surface.

However, Ahmed (19no) and Jacks (32no) combined to smash Phillips for 22 in the 18th over, and after a huge six from the former inched England closer, the latter got them over the line with a four, with three balls remaining.

An incredible finish from these two!! 

We top our Super Eights group  pic.twitter.com/Z70P9w6OVp

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 27, 2026

Data Debrief: Jacks and Ahmed save the day

New Zealand had one foot in the semi-finals after reducing England to 2-2, 58-4 and 117-6, but they just could not get over the line, potentially opening the door for Pakistan.

And England had two unlikely heroes at the bottom of their batting order, in Jacks – who has enjoyed a sensational tournament with the ball – and Ahmed. 

Their partnership of 44 was England's highest for the seventh wicket in a T20 World Cup match, with Jacks plundering four fours and one six, and Ahmed having one four and two maximums. 

England have now won their last five T20Is in Asia, their best-ever run on the continent in the shortest format, and they will approach the semi-finals in high spirits.