The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 begins with a high-voltage encounter between Pakistan national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Both teams enter the match eager to assert dominance after finishing second in their respective groups, making this contest crucial for early momentum in the knockout phase race.
Pakistan’s lineup features key names such as Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam, while New Zealand counters with power-hitter Finn Allen and captain Mitchell Santner leading a balanced side.
Attention will be focused on Pakistan’s batting order after head coach Mike Hesson suggested tactical flexibility, hinting that Babar could play a middle-order role to improve strike rate and team balance.
However, weather forecasts threaten to disrupt the spectacle, with rain already reported around Colombo. With no reserve day scheduled, a washout would see both teams share points, raising stakes around every over that can be played.
Fans worldwide can watch the match live on streaming platforms including Tamasha and Tapmad in Pakistan, Sling TV in the United States, Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, and JioHotstar in India. The toss is set for 6:00 PM PST, with play scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM.
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