Both Pakistan and New Zealand have a lot to prove after mixed campaigns in the T20 World Cup group stages. The Super 8s now offer a fresh start and there’s no better stage to make a statement than the pressure between two rival sides. The teams are scheduled to meet in their Group 2 match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, February 21.
The Super 8s match between Pakistan and New Zealand will start at 7 PM IST. JioHotstar will offer live streaming while Star Sports will provide telecast of the match in India.
In Pakistan’s case, the focus remains on their ability to handle pressure. Their defeat to India in the group stage led to widespread criticism and raised questions about their temperament in crunch moments. Captain Salman Ali Agha will be keen to ensure his side responds in the right way.
Pakistan’s bowling attack remains its greatest strength. They decided on a a spin-heavy combination that could prove effective on Sri Lankan surfaces. The presence of more spin options allows them to control the middle overs and create pressure with dot balls. Their overall game plan with the ball looks settled and deliberate.
However, their batting continues to be a concern. The top order struggled to string together consistent performances and this put further pressure on the middle order. Babar Azam, one of the most watched cricketers in the region, has not made the impact fans expect from him.
There have even been discussions about his role in the side going forward. Whether Pakistan make changes or back their senior players could define their Super 8s campaign.
New Zealand, on the other hand, quietly made it to the Super 8s without much fanfare. They haven’t looked as dominant as India, South Africa or the West Indies, but that could work in their favour. Pre-seeding at this stage means they will avoid some of the tougher combinations early on.
The Kiwis have enough experience and depth to take on any opposition if they can find a rhythm. Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka showed vulnerability at various places. If New Zealand settle quickly and execute their plans well, they could become a serious challenger for the semi-finals.
PAK vs NZ: COLOMBO COURSE CONDITIONS
The black soil in Colombo will certainly be a challenge for the Kiwis to adapt to. They have had just that one training session so it will be interesting to see how quickly they adapt to the conditions on offer. That being said, Pakistan will have the advantage of getting used to the conditions as all their games have been played in Sri Lanka.
Although the pitch was one for the spinner, the weather could have something to say.
PAK vs NZ: WEATHER CONDITIONS
According to AccuWeather, showers are expected before the game, around 2:00pm to 4:00pm. This could mean the conditions are a bit sticky, which could mean the spinners get some deliveries in the slip instead of the usual spin offering. Image: (Screengrab/Accuweather)
But after that it is expected to be cloudy. However, the threat of rain will be there, but to be fair it was for multiple games, but only one game was released in the end.
PAK vs NZ: HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two sides are set to meet in the shortest format for the fiftieth time. In the previous 49 games, it’s a fairly even record, with Pakistan slightly ahead with 24 wins, while New Zealand have 23 wins.
PAK vs NZ: PREDICTED PLAYING XI
Both teams might be tempted to go with an unchanged 11. Pakistan will have a plethora of bowling options but could be tested on some key factors. Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner pulled out of the previous match due to illness, while Lockie Ferguson returns after returning home for personal reasons.
Pakistan (Anticipated XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmad
New Zealand (Premise XI): Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 21, 2026