Mitchell Santner didn’t hold back in praising England after New Zealand’s heartbreaking 4-wicket loss in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter. Played under lights at R Premadasa Stadium, the match saw England overhaul 160 in 19.3 overs, six wickets down but spirits unbroken.
New Zealand’s innings ended at 159 for 7, with Phillips (39) and Seifert (35) leading the charge. Rashid and Jacks snared two scalps each, setting up a tense chase. England teetered at 117 for 6, but Will Jacks’ explosive 32 from 18 balls and Rehan Ahmed’s blistering 19* off 7 balls rescued them via a 44-run blitz in 16 deliveries.
That explosive 18th over from Phillips, conceding 22, proved the game-changer. Santner lauded the opposition: ‘A close contest, but England’s chase was top-class, especially Jacks and Ahmed’s finishing.’ He pointed to his team’s death-over struggles, musing that 170-175 might have challenged more effectively.
Ahmed’s comfort against spin impressed Santner, who saw it as key on this wicket. A triumph here meant semi-final security for the Kiwis, yet defeat leaves their hopes dangling. Santner’s sportsmanship shines through, but England’s resilience—epitomized by that late surge—positions them strongly in the Super 8 race, reminding fans why T20 remains cricket’s ultimate thrill-ride.