England topped their Super Eights group at the T20 World Cup with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand, leaving the latter anxiously awaiting Pakistan's final match in this stage.

Tournament co-host Sri Lanka is already eliminated but will host Pakistan on Saturday in Pallekele.

For Pakistan to join England in progressing to the semifinals, they must not only win the match but do so by a margin that overcomes New Zealand's net run-rate advantage.

England's win against New Zealand at R Premadasa Stadium on Friday was led by Player of the Match Will Jacks, as the 2010 and 2022 champions chased down their opponents' 159-7.

The early loss of openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler threatened England's chances, but Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed's unbroken 44-run seventh-wicket partnership secured the victory.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bat first, but their 159-7 proved insufficient. Rehan Ahmed claimed his first World Cup wicket with his very first ball.

To leapfrog New Zealand and set up a semifinal against South Africa, Pakistan must either beat Sri Lanka by roughly 65 runs or more or chase the target in fewer than 13 overs. England, as group winner, will face the winner of the India vs. West Indies match in the semifinals.

Source: www.aljazeera.com