New Zealand Sets Competitive Target Against England in T20 World Cup Clash

In a pivotal Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, New Zealand posted a total of 159 runs against England. The Black Caps, after a shaky start, found momentum through a solid opening partnership. However, England's bowlers, particularly Adil Rashid and Will Jacks, effectively curtailed New Zealand's scoring, leading to a competitive yet manageable target. This match is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the next round.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 21:32 IST

New Zealand's Total Against England

In a crucial Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, New Zealand managed to score 159 runs against England on Friday. The Black Caps initially struggled but bounced back after a strong opening partnership between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. Despite a promising start, England's bowlers, particularly Adil Rashid and Will Jacks, consistently took wickets to limit New Zealand's scoring.

Strong Opening Partnership

New Zealand began their innings with caution, accumulating just eight runs by the end of the second over. However, openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert accelerated the scoring, reaching 54 runs without losing a wicket by the sixth over.

Adil Rashid ended the 64-run opening partnership by dismissing Tim Seifert, who scored 35 runs off 25 balls, including three fours and two sixes, on the last ball of the seventh over.

In the next over, Will Jacks took out Finn Allen for 29 runs off 19 balls, which featured three sixes.

Collapse Triggered by England's Spinners

After ten overs, New Zealand was at 84 for 2. However, Rehan Ahmed struck early in the 12th over, removing Rachin Ravindra for 11 runs off 13 balls, which included one four. By the end of the 13th over, the score was 116 for 3.

Adil Rashid continued to apply pressure, taking the wicket of Mark Chapman, who scored 15 runs off nine balls with two fours, during the 15th over.

Liam Dawson then dismissed Daryl Mitchell for just three runs in the 17th over. Will Jacks followed up by clean bowling Glenn Phillips for 29 runs, leaving New Zealand at 142 for 6.

In the final overs, Cole McConchie contributed 14 runs off 12 balls, helping the Black Caps reach a total of 159 for 7 in their 20 overs.

England's Bowling Performance

For England, the standout bowlers included Liam Dawson (1 wicket for 32 runs), Adil Rashid (2 wickets for 28 runs), Will Jacks (2 wickets for 23 runs), and Rehan Ahmed (2 wickets for 28 runs).