Jacks and Ahmed find dramatic late blitz to earn England unlikely win over New Zealand

Simon Burnton at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Fri, 27 February 2026 at 5:19 pm UTC·4 min read A game dominated by spin and played on a turning wicket was decided in the space of a few minutes and by a decisive, savage twist. Just as it looked like England’s progress through the World Cup was the only thing that was destined to stay on a familiar, predictable path Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks thrashed 22 runs off the 18th over of the innings and turned the game, and the group, in their team’s favour. The over, bowled by Glenn Phillips, started with England needing an improbable 43 off 18 and ended with 21 required off 12. Ahmed started the next with a reverse-sweep for four and ended it by...