COLOMBO – In a Super Eight match of the ICC T20 World Cup, New Zealand set a target of 160 runs for England.
Batting first in the match being played in Colombo, New Zealand scored 159 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted overs.
For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips top-scored with 39 off 28 balls, while openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen contributed 35 and 29 runs respectively. Rachin Ravindra was dismissed for 11 by Rehan Ahmed, while Mark Chapman scored 15. Daryl Mitchell made three runs and captain Mitchell Santner scored nine.
For England, Adil Rashid, Will Jacks, and Rehan Ahmed claimed two wickets each.
The importance of the match is heightened as its result will directly impact the race for the semi-finals. England have already secured a place in the semi-finals with two victories; however, a win today could also revive hopes for Pakistan.
On the other hand, New Zealand have three points from two matches and need one more point to qualify for the final four. If the Kiwis win this match, they will advance to the semi-finals, while a defeat would keep Pakistan’s chances alive.
Pakistan have one point after two matches and are set to play their final Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka. Pakistan can qualify for the semi-finals with a win and an improved net run rate, but only if England defeat New Zealand in today’s match.
