Will Jacks can be said to be England’s breakout star in this T20 World Cup. He was tasked with finishing duties against New Zealand in Colombo on Friday, joining forces with Rehan Ahmed in the first match of the tournament, combining bold, clean hitting and ice-cold approach to seal a tense 4-wicket win with three wickets.
To chase down New Zealand’s 159/7, England needed 44 from the last 16 balls, with Jacks hitting 32* from 18 balls (4×4, 1×6) and Ahmed’s 19* from 7 balls (1×4, 2×6), displaying a fearless game-winner as they broke through the gap, drove the ball into the wicket and controlled the wicket. It was an exciting outburst, full of intention and a boost of confidence in the England dressing room.
They work together to eliminate the deficit. Jacks picked up his fourth Man of the Match award and England looked to have hit the spot, beating Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand in the Super Eights to win Group Two.
New Zealand did not take control of the game until the 17th over and were left wondering how the game slipped from their grasp. Their semi-final qualification is in jeopardy. They are now awaiting the outcome of Saturday’s Super Eights clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Palleke.
Pakistan need to beat Sri Lanka by 64 runs or chase the target by 13.1 overs to knock out New Zealand and stay in Colombo for the first semi-final. If New Zealand advances, they will face South Africa in Kolkata. Meanwhile, England will travel to Mumbai to await the winner of Sunday’s match between India and West Indies.
England’s chase of 160 never found a rhythm, being stirred first by Matt Henry and then by Lockie Ferguson, with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler departing in the blink of an eye.
At 2/2, the innings needed ballast and Harry Brook’s 24-ball 26 tried to provide a crisp knock to the match before falling to Glenn Phillips. But it was the all-round brilliance of Rachin Ravindra who cut into the middle order with three important wickets to keep the target at a huge distance. Sam Curran’s 24 brought England closer but courage was still needed as England were 117/6 in the 17th over.
New Zealand’s innings promised more than it ultimately delivered, but a decisive squeeze from England spin as the platform was being set derailed New Zealand’s performance.
Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen took the Black Caps to 66 in eight overs, with England fighting back through Jacks and Ahmed to halt the attack. Phillips and Mark Chapman then tried to regain control. Glenn Philips was New Zealand’s batting star with 39 off 28 balls (4×4, 1×6), but the late surge never really came.