In order to get to the T20 World Cup semifinals, New Zealand needed to win on Friday night in Colombo. In order to keep their pristine Super 8 record, England had other ideas. They ended their second-round campaign with an exciting victory in the final over. As they await the outcome of Group 2's final Super 8 match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which will decide whether they purchase tickets to India or begin packing for home, New Zealand will now have to face a tense Saturday night.
Because of England's victory, Pakistan is still in the competition; nevertheless, they must defeat Sri Lanka handily in order to pass New Zealand in net run rate and guarantee a spot in the semifinals..

"I'm a little anxious," Santner stated on Saturday. Some nervous people will be watching tomorrow to see what transpires. However, there isn't much we can do about it. We'll just have to wait and watch before either returning to New Zealand or boarding an aircraft for India. If we had won tonight, things would have been much simpler."
Twice throughout the match against England, New Zealand lost a position of strength. After 14 overs, they were 123/3, but they only scored 36 runs at a run-per-ball rate in the next six overs.
Later, with 43 required off 18 balls, they had England on the ropes at 117/6. With three deliveries and four wickets remaining, England crossed the finish line.

England's hitters made excellent decisions in how they attacked our spinners' final overs. On the other hand, we attempted to bat a little more squarely toward the end, whereas they tried to bat more straight. "Whether it's a matter of a few runs, stopping a two, or taking a catching opportunity, those are the kinds of things you can look back on, especially in a tight game like that," he continued.
Leg-spinner Reehan Ahmed, who took 2/28 with the ball before making an undefeated 19 off 7 balls to lead England home alongside Will Jacks (32 not out off 18 balls), received accolades from England captain Harry Brook.

"Reh (Ahmed) has demonstrated his abilities in the nets, and he has gone out and played brilliantly, depriving them of it. I'm rather pleased with that performance, along with Jacksy (Jacks), his fourth mother. We initially stated that we would choose based on certain criteria, and we felt that today was the ideal time to bring him in. He performed a fantastic job," Brook remarked.
Jos Buttler, who registered another duck on Friday, is yet to contribute significantly to the competition.However, Brook is unconcerned.“A lot has been said, but he (Buttler) has played 150 games for England, and people need to take a step back from that. He’s in a rut now, but that’s an exciting thing – to know what he could produce in the next couple of games. He’s a phenomenal player, and I’ve got no doubts about him," he said.