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T20 World Cup 2026: Semi-final race heats up as New Zealand brace for England showdown

New Zealand national cricket team head coach Rob Walters believes his “street-smart” side can defeat England national cricket team to seal a semi-final spot at the T20 World Cup. A win in Colombo would confirm New Zealand’s place in the last four, while defeat could open the door for Pakistan national cricket team

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Rob Walters. Pic/AFP

Rob Walters. Pic/AFP

New Zealand's "street-smart" cricketers can find a way to beat England and guarantee their semi-final place at the T20 World Cup, coach Rob Walters said on Thursday. A win for New Zealand in Friday's night's Super Eights clash in Colombo will see them top Group 2 and join the already-qualified England in the final four. 

A defeat would leave the door ajar for Pakistan to beat eliminated Sri Lanka on Saturday with the second semi-final berth then being decided on net run rate. Mitchell Santner's New Zealand were in trouble at 84-6 against Sri Lanka on Wednesday before the captain steered them to 168-7 and a thumping 61-run win which knocked out the co-hosts. 

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