England Edge New Zealand in Last-Over Thriller; Pakistan Stay Alive in T20WC 2026
New Zealand squandered a golden opportunity to book their place in the semifinals, going down in a nerve-shredding last-over thriller against England on Friday. A victory would have sealed their passage to the final four, but England held their nerve to snatch a dramatic win. Already through to the semifinals, England had little at stake — yet their triumph may have delighted Pakistan the most, as it keeps them mathematically alive in the tournament. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand made a blistering start. Their openers attacked from the outset, scoring so fluently that a total in excess of 200 looked well within reach. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the seventh over. Adil Rashid struck with the final ball of the over, deceiving Tim Seifert (35) with a clever leg-spin delivery. Almost immediately, Will Jacks removed Finn Allen (29), who perished attempting an ambitious stroke, caught at deep midwicket. From a commanding 64 without loss, New ...