COLOMBO: 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.

“I think if you look historically at the Black Caps, you would probably say that they’re a team that have been great problem solvers,” Walters told reporters. “They are street smart, they find a way to understand the conditions quickly.

“It’s certainly something that we pride ourselves on. We can adapt to conditions quickly and find a method.”

England are the only team to secure a place in the semi-finals so far after skipper Harry Brook’s match-winning century against Pakistan.

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is aware of England’s threat.

“You’re always confident going into these fixtures, especially when we know what the surface is going to be like,” said Ravindra, who took four wickets against Sri Lanka. “But I think it’d be silly to underestimate England at any point.

“They’re obviously such a quality unit and they’ve shown this in how well they’ve been bowling. They’ve got world-class batters throughout their order.”

Meanwhile, England bowling consultant Tim Southee admitted it will be “a little bit strange” to be in the opposing change room to New Zealand.

Southee played 394 times in all formats for New Zealand and took 391 wickets in 107 Tests.

“It is a little bit strange seeing the guys around the hotel and obviously with that series in New Zealand end of last year,” Southee said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with England.

“I always want New Zealand cricket to do well, always following them closely, but now in the role that I’m in, things are slightly different.

“I’m looking forward to going out there against a good side and some good mates as well.”

Southee said he has enjoyed working with Jofra Archer, who has grown into the tournament.

The express paceman conceded 98 runs in his eight overs in the first two group matches.

But he took 3-20 against Sri Lanka and 2-32 against Pakistan in England’s two Super Eight games, regularly sending down deliveries around 150 kph (93 mph).

“The good sign is that we’ve seen over the last few games he looks like he’s getting better and better so that bodes well for the next few games,” Southee said. “He’s obviously a class bowler. He can bowl fast, move the ball and he has an unbelievable amount of skill.

“It’s been brilliant to see how he goes about his stuff. He absolutely loves cricket, loves bowling, so it’s been great to work alongside such a great bowler.”

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2026