Will Jacks Joins Shane Watson in T20 World Cup Record for Player of the Match Awards

In a remarkable achievement, England's Will Jacks has equaled Shane Watson's record for the most Player of the Match awards in a single T20 World Cup edition. His latest accolade came after a thrilling performance against New Zealand, where he played a crucial role in securing a narrow victory. With the knockout stages approaching, Jacks is poised to potentially surpass this record. His consistent contributions with both bat and ball have made him a standout player in the tournament. Read on to discover more about Jacks' journey and the match highlights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 01:58 IST

Historic Achievement for Will Jacks

Colombo [Sri Lanka], February 28: England's all-rounder Will Jacks has made history in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by matching the legendary Shane Watson for the most Player of the Match awards in a single tournament edition.

Jacks secured his fourth Player of the Match accolade during a crucial Super 8 clash against New Zealand, equaling Watson's record from the 2012 T20 World Cup.

In that tournament, Watson showcased his all-round capabilities, finishing as the top run-scorer with 249 runs and taking 11 wickets, making a significant impact.

Throughout the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, Jacks has displayed remarkable form, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. As the knockout stages approach, he has the chance to break the record.

After receiving his fourth Player of the Match award, Jacks expressed that this was his most satisfying performance, having led his team to a vital victory over New Zealand.

In the post-match interview, he shared his excitement, stating he was 'absolutely buzzing' about the win, especially given the tense nature of the match when he came to bat.

Jacks remarked, 'I think this is the best of my four POTM awards. I was thrilled with that. When I came in, the game was on a knife's edge. I was over the moon. It was about keeping things simple. Rehan played a fantastic innings, and that six he hit off Phillips really changed the momentum. We discussed taking risks against Phillips, and I feel very confident right now. I remain calm at the crease, which is an added advantage. Winning three matches in the Super Eights against strong teams makes us very happy.'

In the match itself, New Zealand set a competitive target of 159 runs after a solid start from openers Finn Allen (35) and Tim Seifert (29), despite a mid-innings slump.

For England, the bowling attack featured Liam Dawson (1/32), Adil Rashid (2/28), Will Jacks (2/23), and Rehan Ahmed (2/28) taking crucial wickets.

In response, captain Harry Brook (26), Jacob Bethell (21), Tom Banton (33), Sam Curran (24), and Will Jacks (32*) contributed vital runs, leading England to a narrow four-wicket victory.