Today Cricket Match: England edge New Zealand in Colombo to dent Kiwis’ semi hopes
In the Today Cricket Match in Colombo on February 27, 2026, England chased 160 and won by four wickets with three balls to spare, a result that leaves New Zealand’s semi-final hopes badly damaged and opens the door for Pakistan.
How England sealed a tense chase
England reached 160 to win after Will Jacks and Ahmed put on an unbroken 44 to get England over the line, and the victory came when a ball hit Jacks’ helmet and went for four. The chase finished with three balls to spare, leaving England with a four-wicket win in the 49th Match of the Super Eights, Group 2, at Colombo.
Spin domination: three bowlers shared the wickets
England’s bowlers set the stage by bowling a record 16 overs of spin in the match. Rashid, Jacks and Ahmed each took two wickets as England applied pressure with spin during New Zealand’s innings, a personal note that fed into the overall result at the Wankhede-adjacent fixture in Colombo on February 27, 2026.
Buttler’s struggle and Harry Brook’s defence
Jos Buttler was out for a two-ball duck, a continuation of what was described as a ‘miserable run’, and England’s tournament record moved to 2-2. England captain Harry Brook defended Buttler’s form, saying Buttler has played 150 games for England, calling him probably the best white-ball player, and adding that Buttler is "in a rut" but has "fire in his belly" and will be exciting in the next few games.
Today Cricket Match — Jacks praised and semi-final possibilities
Brook also praised Will Jacks, calling him “a proper batter” and citing an example against West Indies at the start of the summer when Jacks leaned on the first ball through the covers for four. Brook noted Jacks has played Test cricket and has "immense power". England were already through to the semi-finals before the game and will finish top of Group 2 in the Super 8s, though who they will face in the last four is still TBC.
What the result means for New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
New Zealand’s defeat opens the door for Pakistan to qualify: Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka on Saturday and rely on a net run-rate swing. A key upcoming fixture is Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at 13: 15 GMT on Saturday, a match New Zealand will be watching with interest as they seek an escape route from Group 2 in the Super Eights.
Reaction, coverage and what’s next
The match produced vivid moments and reaction: commentators noted the helmet-four off Jacks’ head and the unbroken 44 that decided the chase. Readers were invited to listen to Radio 5 Live Sport commentary at the top of the page and to have their say using the 'Get Involved' button on the match page. A report by Matthew Henry covers England’s four-wicket win in more detail.
England’s next confirmed milestone is the semi-final path: they will finish top of Group 2 in the Super 8s and await confirmation of their opponent in the last four. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s match at 13: 15 GMT on Saturday against Sri Lanka remains the immediate fixture that could change the Group 2 picture.
