Portugal Colonial - Spin-heavy England restrict New Zealand to 159-7 in Super Eights

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Spin-heavy England restrict New Zealand to 159-7 in Super Eights / Photo: Ishara S. KODIKARA - AFP

Spin-heavy England restrict New Zealand to 159-7 in Super Eights

SPORTS 27.02.2026

England bowled a team high 16 overs of spin to restrict New Zealand to 159-7 in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash in Colombo on Friday

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New Zealand, who need a win to guarantee a semi-final slot, won the toss and elected to bat against already qualified England and started well, reaching 53-0 in six overs.

But England, who brought in an extra spinner in Rehan Ahmed to replace seamer Jamie Overton, regained control as captain Harry Brook employed five slow bowlers.

The 2010 and 2022 champions had never bowled so many overs of spin before in a T20 international and, on a turning pitch, tied down the New Zealand batsmen.

Will Jacks returned the best figures with 2-23, while Adil Rashid picked up 2-28 and is now England's leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 11.

Rashid was complemented by fellow wrist spinner Ahmed, who was making his T20 World Cup debut and took a wicket with his first ball before finishing with 2-28 from three overs.

Glenn Phillips top scored with 39 off 28 including four fours and a six while opener Tim Seifert scored 35.

Liam Dawson (1-32) and Jacob Bethell (0-13) were the other spinners employed by England.

F.Ferraz--PC

Portugal Colonial - Spin-heavy England restrict New Zealand to 159-7 in Super Eights

Spin-heavy England restrict New Zealand to 159-7 in Super Eights

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