Jacks and Ahmed find dramatic late blitz to earn England unlikely win over New Zealand

• England 161-6 beat New Zealand 159-7 by four wickets

• Late flurry of runs from allrounders proves crucial

A game dominated by spin and played on a turning wicket was decided in the space of a few minutes and by a decisive, savage twist. Just as it looked like England’s progress through the World Cup was the only thing that was destined to stay on a familiar, predictable path Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks thrashed 22 runs off the 18th over of the innings and turned the game, and the group, in their team’s favour.

The over, bowled by Glenn Phillips, started with England needing an improbable 43 off 18 and ended with 21 required off 12. Ahmed started the next with a reverse-sweep for four and ended it by smearing over long-off for six, and suddenly England needed five off the last over. It took them three balls, with victory in the end secured by four wickets.