Chasing a target of 160 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium, England reached 160 for six in the final over to secure victory in the Group Two encounter.

Earlier, New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 159 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.

New Zealand post competitive total

Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen provided a strong start, adding 64 runs for the first wicket with aggressive stroke play in the early overs. Seifert scored 35 while Allen contributed 29 runs.

Glenn Phillips top-scored with 39 runs, while Rachin Ravindra made 11 before falling to Rehan Ahmed.

Mark Chapman added 15, Daryl Mitchell scored three, and captain Mitchell Santner remained unbeaten on nine. Cole McConchie’s 14 helped New Zealand push the total close to 160.

For England, Adil Rashid, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed claimed two wickets each, while Liam Dawson picked up one to restrict the Black Caps.

Semi-final race wide open

The result has intensified the qualification battle in Group Two.

England had already secured a semi-final berth with earlier victories, but their win over New Zealand has reopened Pakistan’s path to the last four.

New Zealand remain on three points from two matches and now face qualification uncertainty, while Pakistan — with one point from two games — must defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight fixture in Pallekele.

If Pakistan win and finish with a superior net run rate compared to New Zealand, they could advance to the semi-finals.

The upcoming Pakistan-Sri Lanka match is therefore expected to decide the final group standings.