ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Jacks, Ahmed carry England to another thrilling win

England’s Will Jacks (R) celebrates with captain Harry Brook after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips (Photo credits: AFP)

England will take real momentum into the T20 World Cup semi-finals after Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed secured a gripping four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Colombo yesterday.

Already guaranteed to progress, England needed 42 from the last 17 balls on a slow pitch which offered significant assistance for the spinners throughout.

But Ahmed struck a huge straight six and Jacks cracked one of his own, following with two more fours to take 21 from the next five balls bowled by off-spinner Glenn Phillips.

Ahmed lofted Mitchell Santner for another six from the final ball of the 19th over, leaving five to get from the last and England completed a fifth successive victory with three balls to spare.

Jacks finished 32 not out and Ahmed unbeaten on 19 from seven balls – the pair combining for a stand of 44 runs in 16 balls.

Jacks and Ahmed also played their part with the ball, taking two wickets each, as England dragged New Zealand back to 159/7.

Harry Brook’s side showed impressive versatility by bowling 16 overs of spin – the most they have ever sent down in a T20 - with all seven dismissals falling to the slow bowlers. It means England will almost certainly play in Thursday’s second semi-final in Mumbai and travel having come through a series of tight finishes to this point.

New Zealand are in second place but could be pipped to a semi-final spot by Pakistan, if they secure a big win over already-eliminated Sri Lanka on Saturday.

(BBC)

England’s Sam Curran plays a shot (Photo credits: AP)