New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat first in a must-win match. New Zealand posted a target of 161 runs in their first 20 overs. Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen made odd 30s and helped the team to reach a competitive total.

A fearless outing with bat and ball gives England the edge in what may prove to be one-off appearance

Rehan Ahmed got rid of Rachin Ravindra who is in good touch in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Ahmed was brought into the side in replacement of Jamie Overton. The decision was taken by England to take advantage of the spin-friendly conditions at the venue.

England will consider leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed for Friday's T20 World Cup match against New Zealand with spinning conditions expected.