England’s spinners stole the show in Colombo as New Zealand were bowled out for 159 for 7 in a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter at R Premadasa Stadium. Captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to set a total, but his team’s innings unravelled against a relentless spin attack.
The powerplay brought joy with openers Tim Seifert (35 off 25, 3×4, 2×6) and Finn Allen (29 off 19) adding 64 in 6.6 overs. Yet, the middle order crumbled. Rachin Ravindra scored just 11 before Rehan Ahmed struck. Mark Chapman (15), Daryl Mitchell, and others fell cheaply.
Glenn Phillips emerged as New Zealand’s hero with 39 runs, including four fours and a six, but it wasn’t enough. Cole McConchie added 14 off 12, and Santner remained not out on 9 off 5. The constant fall of wickets stifled any late surge.
Will Jacks spearheaded with 2/23, economical and wicket-taking. Rehan Ahmed (2/28) and Adil Rashid (2/28) complemented perfectly. England’s lineup, led by Harry Brook with stars like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, and Liam Dawson, eyes victory.
This match underscores England’s adaptation to spin-friendly pitches, a key factor in their World Cup ambitions. New Zealand must reflect on their batting woes as the chase looms.