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NZ vs PAK: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
- Fixture: New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Super Eights, Group 2
- Match: 41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2
- Date & Time: 21 February 2026, 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Match Preview
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights stage will begin with a high-profile clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo. Pakistan secured their place in the Super Eights with a 102-run win over Namibia, which included a century from Sahibzada Farhan and a strong bowling performance from Usman Tariq, which completely destroyed the Namibian batting. Their Super Eights campaign now begins against a well-balanced New Zealand team that qualified comfortably.
New Zealand comfortably qualified for the Super Eights by winning three of their four group matches in Group D. They were helped by strong batting performances from Glenn Phillips and Tim Seifert. They chased down one hundred and seventy-four runs in their final group match, which shows the depth of their batting lineup.
Both the teams will be eager to make a strong statement in Group 2 of the Super Eights. The group includes heavyweights like Sri Lanka and England. Pakistan will look to continue their momentum after an impressive knockout round qualification. New Zealand will aim to show consistency and capitalise on any early opportunities that arise.
PAK vs NZ – Head to Head (T20Is)
| Format | Matches | PAK Won | NZ Won | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 49 | 24 | 23 | 0 | 2 |
Note: Pakistan and New Zealand have played 49 T20 International matches against each other. In which Pakistan has won 24 matches, New Zealand has won 23 matches, and 2 matches have been drawn.
PAK vs NZ – Squad List
| No. | Pakistan Player | Role | New Zealand Player | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salman Agha (c) | Allrounder | Mitchell Santner (c) | Bowling allrounder |
| 2 | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | Finn Allen | Top-order batter |
| 3 | Babar Azam | Batter | Mark Chapman | Allrounder |
| 4 | Faheem Ashraf | Bowling allrounder | Devon Conway | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 5 | Fakhar Zaman | Opening batter | Jacob Duffy | Bowler |
| 6 | Khawaja Nafay | Wicketkeeper batter | Lockie Ferguson | Bowler |
| 7 | Mohammad Nawaz | Allrounder | Matt Henry | Bowler |
| 8 | Naseem Shah | Bowler | Kyle Jamieson | Bowler |
| 9 | Sahibzada Farhan | Middle-order batter | Cole McConchie | Allrounder |
| 10 | Saim Ayub | Allrounder | Daryl Mitchell | Batting allrounder |
| 11 | Salman Mirza | Bowler | James Neesham | Batting allrounder |
| 12 | Shadab Khan | Allrounder | Glenn Phillips | Allrounder |
| 13 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler | Rachin Ravindra | Batting allrounder |
| 14 | Usman Khan | Wicketkeeper batter | Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 15 | Usman Tariq | Bowler | Ish Sodhi | Bowler |
Read next: ENG vs SL: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
Pitch Report – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Pitch Nature | Balanced wicket with pace and bounce for batters |
| Batting Support | If set, batters can accelerate freely |
| New Ball Behaviour | Seamers can get movement early |
| Spin Factor | Spinners effective in middle overs |
| Match Pattern | T20 totals likely competitive |
| Average T20 Score Range | ~165–190+ |
| Toss Strategy | Batting first to set a target often preferred |
| Safe/Defending Score | 180+ competitive |
Team Analysis
Pakistan
Pakistan’s batting is led by Sahibzada Farhan, who topped the group stage. Their bowling is varied, with Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah offering strike options. The all-round skills of players like Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz add balance.
Their concern is that Pakistan’s campaign has had mixed results, including a significant defeat against India. After that defeat, they will want to continue the momentum in the Super Eights.
The key players to watch out for are Sahibzada Farhan, who has been the leading batsman of the tournament so far. Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz are the main wicket-takers who bowl a tight line. Shadab Khan brings experience with both bat and ball.
The mix of youth and experience makes them dangerous if Pakistan execute their plans properly.
New Zealand
New Zealand have been consistent in their batting through Glenn Phillips and Tim Seifert. Both have scored heavily in the tournament so far. Bowlers like Jacob Duffy and spinner Mitchell Santner have been providing control and their bowling has been consistent.
Their concern is that New Zealand need early success with the new ball to manage a strong batting lineup.
The key players to watch are Glenn Phillips who is an explosive run scorer. Tim Seifert provides a consistent batting presence at the top. Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy are threats for the wicket that can change the match.
New Zealand’s depth and experience give them a balanced edge in both departments.
Toss Prediction
With batting conditions in Colombo favourable and a chance of fog at night, the captain can prepare to bat first. He can build up the score and then control the proceedings while chasing in the lights.
Cricbites Match Prediction
| Team | Winning Chance (%) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 55% | Strong recent form and momentum |
| New Zealand | 45% | Balanced team and consistent performers |
Cricbites Prediction: Pakistan will win thanks to their strong qualifying performance and highly impressive batsmen, but New Zealand’s experience and batting depth make this a very competitive start to the Super Eights.
Final Thoughts
This Super Eight clash promises to be an intriguing encounter, full of momentum swings and tactical spin battles. A powerful batting display is expected from both the teams. Pakistan’s recent confidence and New Zealand’s consistent scoring prowess pave the way for an exciting night under the lights in Colombo. Both the teams understand what is at stake in the Super Eights, which makes this match one to watch.
Read More: AUS vs OMA: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
Disclaimer
This preview and prediction is based on verified team information, recent performances and expected pitch conditions at R Premadasa Stadium. Cricket remains unpredictable and match outcomes can change depending on the results of the toss, weather and the individual talent of any player on any team.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the captain of Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
The captain of Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Salman Ali Agha.
Q2. Who is the captain of New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
The captain of New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Mitchell Santner.
Q3. When and at what time will Pakistan vs New Zealand be played?
Pakistan will face New Zealand on 21 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST.
Q4. Where is the match being played?
The PAK vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Khetarama, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Q5. What is the match number of PAK vs NZ in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
This match is the 41st match of the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
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