The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo kicks off the Super 8 stage with a blockbuster clash between two evenly matched sides who have navigated tricky group stages to reach the business end of the tournament. New Zealand’s campaign has been characteristically clinical; three wins from four, with their only loss coming against a red-hot South African side. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have formed the tournament’s most destructive opening partnership, smashing 15 sixes between them. Pakistan, meanwhile, have built real momentum after their sole loss to India. Three consecutive wins, including a 102-run demolition of Namibia, have showcased their strengths: a world-class spin attack that has claimed 26 of 33 wickets, and a batting lineup finally finding its rhythm. The Colombo surface promises to be slow and spin-friendly, conditions that heavily favor Pakistan’s attack. But New Zealand possesses the firepower to counter any challenge. This is a genuine 50-50 contest, a dress rehearsal for the knockout stages, where the team that better handles pressure and conditions will seize the advantage.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
NZ vs PAK, Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026 41st Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 41st Match, Super 8, Group 2 |
| Date | Saturday, February 21, 2026 |
| Time | 07:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
NZ vs PAK Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
New Zealand
New Zealand are in excellent touch (W, L, W, W, W), with three wins in four tournament matches. Their key strength is an explosive opening pair. Tim Seifert leads with 173 runs at strike rate 168; Finn Allen strikes at 178. Together, they’ve smashed 15 sixes. Glenn Phillips is in career-best form (76* off 36 vs Canada). The bowling attack, with Lockie Ferguson returning, is balanced and wicket-taking. The psychological edge comes from their 6-3 head-to-head advantage in the last 10 meetings.
Pakistan
Pakistan have built momentum (W, W, W, L, W), with three consecutive wins. Their key strength is a world-class spin attack that has claimed 26 of 33 wickets. Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and the unorthodox Usman Tariq (economy 5.82) form a formidable unit. Sahibzada Farhan is in career-best form (100 off 58 vs Namibia). Their psychological edge is familiarity with Colombo conditions and a spin attack perfectly suited to this surface.
NZ vs PAK Probable Playing XI
New Zealand Probable XI-
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham / Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.
Pakistan Probable XI-
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head Record (T20 World Cup)
| Total Match Played | 07 |
| NZ Won | 02 |
| PAK Won | 05 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
NZ vs PAK Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium surface typically supports scores around 160-170, with conditions slowing as matches progress. The highest score in five World Cup games here is Australia’s 182-6. The surface offers significant turn for spinners, Pakistan deployed 18 overs of spin against India. Both teams will target 170+; New Zealand could push 180 if their openers fire.
NZ vs PAK Weather Report
Conditions will be humid and predominantly cloudy with a good chance of showers or brief thunderstorms around the evening. Temperatures will stay warm, with high humidity. Rain could interrupt play, making the DLS method a potential factor.
NZ vs PAK Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first. Rain is expected, cloud cover will aid seamers early, and if DLS comes into play, chasing a revised target is simpler.
NZ vs PAK Match Prediction
This is a genuine 50-50 contest, but conditions heavily favor Pakistan’s strengths.
Pakistan’s case: They have the tournament’s most potent spin attack, perfectly suited to this sluggish surface. They deployed 18 overs of spin against India; expect something similar here. Usman Tariq’s unorthodox action and economy of 5.82 make him a wildcard New Zealand have never faced. Sahibzada Farhan is in career-best form. They are more accustomed to Colombo conditions, having played here throughout the group stage.
New Zealand’s case: They have the tournament’s most destructive opening pair. Seifert and Allen have smashed 15 sixes. Glenn Phillips is in career-best form. Their bowling attack, with Ferguson returning, is balanced and wicket-taking. They hold a 6-3 head-to-head advantage.
The deciding factor will be how New Zealand’s batters handle quality spin on a slowing surface. They have looked uncomfortable against spin at times. Pakistan will target them with 16-18 overs of spin, and unless the Kiwi batters have a plan, this match will go Pakistan’s way.
Expect a tense, spin-dominated chess match where Pakistan’s superior adaptability to these conditions and world-class spin attack prove decisive. New Zealand will compete; Seifert and Allen may provide a flying start but Pakistan’s firepower and home-like conditions should see them edge a thriller and start their Super 8 campaign with a vital victory.
NZ vs PAK Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Tim Seifert, Usman Khan
- Batters: Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Sahibzada Farhan
- All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Shadab Khan, Rachin Ravindra
- Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed
Captain (C) Pick: Tim Seifert, Sahibzada Farhan.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Usman Tariq, Rachin Ravindra.
