New Zealand and Pakistan face off in a high-stakes Super 8 clash as both sides push for a semifinal spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With form, momentum, and tournament context evenly balanced, Match 41 promises a tight contest in Colombo.
Match details
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST, 6:30 PM PST, 1:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
New Zealand
New Zealand arrive in the Super 8s with consistency on their side. The Kiwis have played disciplined cricket throughout the tournament, losing only once to South Africa while winning their other three matches. Their top order has ensured solid starts, which has allowed the middle order to play with freedom. The bowling attack has handled pressure situations well, showing clarity in execution at key moments. With a settled combination and confidence from results, New Zealand will look to take another step toward the semifinals.
Pakistan
Pakistan enter this contest with momentum after sealing Super 8 qualification through improved group-stage performances. Their bowling unit has led the turnaround, particularly the spin department, which has applied sustained pressure in the middle overs. The batting remains a work in progress, but signs of recovery from the top order have boosted belief within the camp. Pakistan view this match as a chance to test their growing rhythm against a balanced opponent.
Key players
For New Zealand, the top order has shouldered responsibility with controlled aggression, while the bowling group has delivered in crunch phases. The side will rely on its all-round depth to adapt to match situations quickly.
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan stands out after responding to early setbacks with a match-winning unbeaten century against Namibia. The bowling spotlight remains on Usman Tariq, whose mystery spin has unsettled batters and produced eight wickets in three matches.
Head-to-head record
The rivalry remains closely contested in T20 internationals. In 49 meetings, Pakistan hold a narrow edge with 24 wins, while New Zealand have claimed 23 victories. Two matches ended with no result or ties. The first encounter dates back to September 22, 2007, while the most recent meeting took place on March 26, 2025.
Pitch report
R Premadasa Stadium has hosted five matches in the tournament so far. Teams batting first have won four times, yet captains have generally preferred to chase. The surface has offered assistance to spinners, especially as the match progresses, which places added emphasis on spin control and smart batting in the middle overs.
Probable match scenarios
If New Zealand bat first, they will look to post a competitive total through stable powerplay batting and calculated acceleration later. Pakistan, while chasing, will depend on early breakthroughs from their spinners to control the run rate. If Pakistan bat first, the onus will fall on their top order to set a platform that allows the bowlers to defend with scoreboard pressure.
Probable playing XIs
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will air on JioStar Network channels and stream live on the JioHotstar app and website.
In Pakistan, official broadcast coverage will be available on PTV Sports and A Sports, with digital streaming via their respective platforms.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Go.
In Australia, the game will stream live on Prime Video.
Global viewers can follow official ICC broadcast partners and regional digital platforms carrying the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Match prediction
Both teams enter the contest with contrasting strengths, Pakistan with spin-driven momentum and New Zealand with consistency and balance. Given New Zealand’s stability across departments and their ability to handle pressure, they start as slight favorites, but the margin remains narrow in what shapes up as a closely fought Super 8 encounter.
