England Playing XI Vs New Zealand- T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8- Harry Brook To Drop RCB Star?

England's playing XI vs New Zealand [Source: AFP]

Against all odds, England defeated Pakistan to clinch a sensational win and a place in the T20 World Cup semis. Harry Brook, the England skipper, played a lone warrior’s knock as his stellar century made England the first side to book their berth for the next round of the World Cup.

Chasing a tricky 165 against the Pakistan spinners, Brook’s masterclass stunned the Men in Green as England prevailed in a nail-biter. With two wins out of two, the Three Lions are into the semis, but they will take on the New Zealand side in the final Super 8 match on Friday.

England have their batting issues to deal with, and have plenty to ponder despite securing a place in the next round of the World Cup. In this article, we take a look at their probable playing XI for the final match of the Super 8 against the Kiwis.

England playing XI Vs New Zealand- T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and top order: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell

Some would say that Jos Buttler, the struggling English opener, should be dropped from the team. He has scored just 62 runs in the ongoing World Cup with a strike rate of 110. This is not the Buttler the world knows, but if the trend is anything to go by, the Three Lions will continue to back him.

Phil Salt, his fellow partner, has also blown hot and cold, but the England management has shown faith in his ability, and the destructive batter will be a key figure for the Three Lions against a quality Kiwi bowling attack.

In the last match, Jacob Bethell was demoted as Brook promoted himself. The move worked against Pakistan, but expect Bethell to play at his preferred number 3 spot in case the team needs solidity at that particular spot.

He has been poor in the last couple of games, and there is Ben Duckett warming the bench, but expect Brook to persist with their most talented batter at number 3.

Also Read: England Break India’s Massive T20 World Cup Record, Not Alone At The Top

Middle order and all-rounders: Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Will Jacks

Unlike other teams, England doesn’t tinker with their winning combination, and despite struggling in the World Cup, Tom Banton is likely to bat at number 4. England might want to give him one more chance before they decide to take a call on his future.

Centurion from the last match, captain Harry Brook could be used as a floater, and the finishing touches will be provided by Sam Curran, and Will Jacks as the team has a strong top seven on paper.

Jacks has been England's MVP, having scored crucial runs in death overs, and has also taken wickets at crucial junctures to help his team win matches.

Bowlers: Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer

On paper, England’s bowling looks a bit weak, but the team defied all odds in the previous games, and kudos to their bowlers for delivering the goods. Overton has been England’s surprise package as the all-rounder has taken wickets in the middle-overs.

Archer has been a revelation for the team with his wicket-taking ability inside the powerplay. However, their trump card is the spin duo of Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson. The duo has complemented each other, and expect them to deliver against the Kiwis.