ICC T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand vs Pakistan | Match 41 | Super Eight Round | Group 2 | Colombo | February 21 | Pre-Match Discussion

[Cricket Warrior]

After a humiliating defeat against India, Pakistan’s qualification was hanging by a thread. However they delivered a clinical performance against Namibia, outclassing them to secure a place in the Super Eight round. Now under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha the side will be hoping to carry this momentum forward.

On the other hand, New Zealand national cricket team look like a more settled unit with their top order in good form. The only downside for them is that this will be their first match in Sri Lanka during the tournament, so they may not be fully familiar with the conditions.

Pakistan however have played all of their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, which could work in their favour. It promises to be a competitive contest between the two sides although New Zealand will start as slight favourites.

 

[Human786]

I expect Barbar to steamroll Kiwi's with a blistering 48 ball 63 !

 

[zahid01]

Now the real test starts i don't have much expectations on pakistan they have beaten three teams who are just making the numbers up from now on any win is a bonus

 

[prash88]

Finger spinners are more effective in Premadasa. I hope NZ don't pick run machine Ish Sodhi and use the same bowling lineup...

 

[hur rizvi]

Pakistan will definitely lose if they’re don’t play abrar.

 

[shah9425]

Pakistan is 5-2 against NZ in t20 WC matches

Can they make 6-2

They need to play proper pacers and spinners

If win toss bat first score 180 plus as chase has been difficult under lights

If they start with win their chances of getting into semis will be increased

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Finger spinners are more effective in Premadasa. I hope NZ don't pick run machine Ish Sodhi and use the same bowling lineup...

They will probably pick Cole McConchie but it's not like he's a great bowler either. Although Pakistan do have a history of making heroes out of nobodies. Matthew Wade, Marcus North, Colin de Grandhomme (on debut) the list goes on...

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Alot will depend on the toss

 

[Rana]

These Duffy’s and Henry’s will rip Babar

He was confident against the old lot Boult, Southee, Jamieson and Neesham but these new guys know how to bowl where Babar is uncomfortable.

Pakistan needs Saim Ayub to come to the party now against England and NZ.

They have pacers who he can line up with his style of play. Pakistan need him to fire now.

 

[sweep_shot]

Should be a good game. It is 50-50. Can go either way.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Wishing our wonderful hosts - PP & alll friends - Ramzan Mubarak.
May the almighty bless all friends with health, success & happiness

 

[rickroll]

I hope we win this against NZ. Victory in the first game will be a strong start in the super 8s.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Must win game and we must bring Abrar into the team for it.

 

[sweep_shot]

Must win game and we must bring Abrar into the team for it.

Yes.

Must win for both sides.

It is a very competitive group --> Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and England.

 

[CricVet]

It is in Colombo and Pak has advantage of having better spinners, but disadvantage in duffer decision making. These bowlers have issues of correctly pitching and pacing the ball. Only Pak can turn an advantage into a liability.

 

[mon858]

Drip Faheem and bring back Abrar. Spin to win against any SENA team. Fakhar can be considered for Nafay or Babar. Though Babar will enjoy NZ pace.

 

[PakFan2010]

I really don't see how Nafay or Babar are better than Fakhar.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

It is in Colombo and Pak has advantage of having better spinners, but disadvantage in duffer decision making. These bowlers have issues of correctly pitching and pacing the ball. Only Pak can turn an advantage into a liability.

Let's see if they are dumb enough to bring their best bowler into the attack after the 12th over again

 

[Chip32]

Drop Faheem that’s all I ask

2 real fast bowers - Naseem’s been horribly out of form but I trust him at the death a lot more than Shaheen. You’ve got enough spin options to cover for him if he does get carted around

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Let's see if they are dumb enough to bring their best bowler into the attack after the 12th over again

The strategy works. Just need better bowling in PP and someone other than Farhan to bat well too.

 

[mon858]

Let's see if they are dumb enough to bring their best bowler into the attack after the 12th over again

I dont mind this. Used to do this with umar gul. And even Saeed ajmal and saqlain bowling odi death overs.they become more potent with teams needing to accelerate or a new batters in.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Babar is playing as a fail safe batter. That's one no. 4 role, if I've ever seen one.

 

[Hyder]

Let's see if they are dumb enough to bring their best bowler into the attack after the 12th over again

People dont get it. Tariq is useful when batsman are going after him. He is your death bowler too. And i guess he is comfortable with old bowl.

No point in wasting his overs where teams ll milk him for 6 7 runs.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Chasing team will lose if target is above 170

 

[pakfan54588]

Nz openers are destructive as so glenn Phillips who has some outstanding innings against us in recent past Nz are favourites to win

 

[jnaveen1980]

No. of players that scored 50 plus from each country

India 4 players 5 fifties
New zealand 4 players 5 fifties
Srilanka 4 players 5 fifties
England 4 players 4 fifties
USA 4 players 4 fifties
Afghanistan 3 players 3 fifties
Austrliaa 3 players 3 fifties
Canada 3 players 2 fifties
Itlay 3 players 4 fifties
SA 3 players 4 fifties
West indies 3 players 3 fifties
Ireland 2 players 2 fifties
Oman 2 players 2 fifties
SCotland 2 players 2 fifties
Pakistan 1 player 2 fifties (including a 100)

Essentially if Farhan is gone that is pretty much it. Nobody else is in any form. Most teams had multiple players that stepped up for them.

 

[BouncerGuy]

It is the same ground where India pakistan game was played.. You need 2 genuine pacers there. Naseem and Salman Mirza must play.. Drop Shadab (not gonna happen) or Faheem for Naseem. Rest i think can stay same... Abrar Ahmed also can be included but for him, we have to drop Shadab or 1 batters like nafay so I think

Shadab and Faheem out
Naseem and Abrar in

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

It is the same ground where India pakistan game was played.. You need 2 genuine pacers there. Naseem and Salman Mirza must play.. Drop Shadab (not gonna happen) or Faheem for Naseem. Rest i think can stay same... Abrar Ahmed also can be included but for him, we have to drop Shadab or 1 batters like nafay so I think

Shadab and Faheem out
Naseem and Abrar in

Why would you play two pacers there?
Pace won’t help, you don’t have Bumrah.

Mirza should be the only specialist pacer with Faheem bowling some overs, his pace is low so hitting him would be harder than say someone like Naseem.

Spinners should bowl14 overs.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Why would you play two pacers there?
Pace won’t help, you don’t have Bumrah.

Mirza should be the only specialist pacer with Faheem bowling some overs, his pace is low so hitting him would be harder than say someone like Naseem.

Spinners should bowl14 overs.

That ground has some swing... Naseem is better bowler than Faheem there..

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistan will spin their way to win.
NZ has the better batting unit but Pakistani bolwing is more loaded with spinners who will bamboozle kiwiboys.

Pakistan wins by 25 runs / 5 wickets
SBZ to score another 50 and extend his lead as highest runs scorer

 

[TeymurBlake]

Santner Vs the right handers of Pakistan, worries me.

The drift, the grip & turn he could get reminds me of the spell he bowled against Pakistan in 2019 in Edgbaston.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Santner Vs the right handers of Pakistan, worries me.

The drift, the grip & turn he could get reminds me of the spell he bowled against Pakistan in 2019 in Edgbaston.

Unke pass Santner hae to Aapke pass unki Saans Bandner betha hae bhai Usman Tariq.

 

[harshjoshi87]

After the trashing against India, Pakistan will surely bat first on this wicket.

If New Zealand win the toss, then it is curtains for Pakistan.

 

[harshjoshi87]

That ground has some swing... Naseem is better bowler than Faheem there..

Yes Naseem should be given an opportunity.

 

[Kianig89]

Bat 1st and somehow make 170 , we have more than a chance.
If we bowl 1st try to restrict them to 155.

Saim
Farhan
Fakhar
Agha
Shadab
Usman
Nawaz
Faheem
Mirza
UTariq
Abrar

 

[shah9425]

Win toss and bat first

Score above 180

Then strangle them with spin

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Pakistan are a decent team and should win 2 out of 3 matches and qualify for the semi finals.

I expect that to be the end point of this journey because there's no one who looks like they'll be able to beat India.

 

[zahid01]

Win toss and bat first

Score above 180

Then strangle them with spin

New Zealand are not clueless against spin they beat Afghanistan comfortably chasing 180 plus

 

[Devadwal]

Santner Vs the right handers of Pakistan, worries me.

The drift, the grip & turn he could get reminds me of the spell he bowled against Pakistan in 2019 in Edgbaston.

Fakhar plays Santner very well. Pakistan must includes him for bobsy

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Pakistan are a decent team and should win 2 out of 3 matches and qualify for the semi finals.

I expect that to be the end point of this journey because there's no one who looks like they'll be able to beat India.

They won't play India. India will play their semifinal in Mumbai

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

They won't play India. India will play their semifinal in Mumbai

Does pakistan have good record vs nz in t20 world cups bro? I think pakistan have got their number

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Does pakistan have good record vs nz in t20 world cups bro? I think pakistan have got their number

I think it's 5-2 to Pakistan on the H2H

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

They won't play India. India will play their semifinal in Mumbai

Pakistan and India can face off in the semi-final or final but probability of a semi clash is higher.

We won't win 3 out of 3 (not that consistent) but 2/3 is a real possibility which means we may end up 2nd in our group
No one is beating India in the other pool so they will be number 1.

1 vs. 2 in Colombo

 

[Kianig89]

Eng NZ SL, thats three tough games. santner against our right handers will be an issue , Fakhar should walk in.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

I think it's 5-2 to Pakistan on the H2H

This is a good record compared to India vs Nz record.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Pakistani players T20I stats vs New Zealand

Batting:

Babar: 24 Inns | 42 Avg | 132 SR
Agha: 5 Inns | 40 Avg | 135 SR
Fakhar: 16 Inns | 27 Avg | 134 SR
Nawaz: 7 Inns | 22 Avg | 140 SR
Shadab: 15 Inns | 16 Avg | 136 SR
Faheem: 10 Inns | 14 Avg | 133 SR
Usman: 5 Inns | 13 Avg | 120 SR
Saim: 12 Inns | 13 Avg | 130 SR

Bowling:

Abrar: 5 Inns | 7 Wkts | 21 Avg | 15 SR | 8 Econ
Shaheen: 25 Inns | 35 Wkts | 21 Avg | 15 SR | 8 Econ
Faheem: 14 Inns | 10 Wkts | 26 Avg | 20 SR | 8 Econ
Nawaz: 8 Inns | 7 Wkts | 33 Avg | 23 SR | 9 Econ
Shadab: 27 Inns | 18 Wkts | 39 Avg | 30 SR | 8 Econ
Naseem: 6 Inns | 4 Wkts | 47 Avg | 33 SR | 8 Econ

 

[Kianig89]

No po

Pakistani players T20I stats vs New Zealand

Batting:

Babar: 24 Inns | 42 Avg | 132 SR
Agha: 5 Inns | 40 Avg | 135 SR
Fakhar: 16 Inns | 27 Avg | 134 SR
Nawaz: 7 Inns | 22 Avg | 140 SR
Shadab: 15 Inns | 16 Avg | 136 SR
Faheem: 10 Inns | 14 Avg | 133 SR
Usman: 5 Inns | 13 Avg | 120 SR
Saim: 12 Inns | 13 Avg | 130 SR

Bowling:

Abrar: 5 Inns | 7 Wkts | 21 Avg | 15 SR | 8 Econ
Shaheen: 25 Inns | 35 Wkts | 21 Avg | 15 SR | 8 Econ
Faheem: 14 Inns | 10 Wkts | 26 Avg | 20 SR | 8 Econ
Nawaz: 8 Inns | 7 Wkts | 33 Avg | 23 SR | 9 Econ
Shadab: 27 Inns | 18 Wkts | 39 Avg | 30 SR | 8 Econ
Naseem: 6 Inns | 4 Wkts | 47 Avg | 33 SR | 8 Econ

Going by this we should beat NZ

 

[hassan918]

Eng NZ SL, thats three tough games. santner against our right handers will be an issue , Fakhar should walk in.

Fakhar has to play. He is a match winner on his day.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Pak should win this. They generally have the wood against NZ pre 2020 in any ICC event.

 

[hassan918]

Pak should win this. They generally have the wood against NZ pre 2020 in any ICC event.

This NZ side is very good and you can't say this about this PAK team. NZ are the favorites heading into the game.

 

[hur rizvi]

It is the same ground where India pakistan game was played.. You need 2 genuine pacers there. Naseem and Salman Mirza must play.. Drop Shadab (not gonna happen) or Faheem for Naseem. Rest i think can stay same... Abrar Ahmed also can be included but for him, we have to drop Shadab or 1 batters like nafay so I think

Shadab and Faheem out
Naseem and Abrar in

We need to replace 1 AR with a bowler

If Faheem sits out Naseem in

If either Nawaz/shadab Abrar in

But this is just wishful thinking as our incompetent coach will again go with 9 batsmen

 

[hur rizvi]

Mike Hesson is going to ruin Pakistan chances and should be fired if he doesn’t bring in either Naseem or abrar for 1 of the ARs

 

[harshjoshi87]

They won't play India. India will play their semifinal in Mumbai

If Pakistan finish at #2 & India #1 or vice versa then the semifinal will be in Colombo.

 

[harshjoshi87]

Pak should win this. They generally have the wood against NZ pre 2020 in any ICC event.

Yes Pakistan beat New Zealand in 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final & 2023 ODI World Cup.

 

[hur rizvi]

Fakhar has to play. He is a match winner on his day.

NZ have past scars from fakhar

 

[Nikhil_cric]

This is a good record compared to India vs Nz record.

If T20 World Cup record is considered , India and England are Pakistan's toughest opponents.

NZ is our worst opponent

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

If Pakistan finish at #2 & India #1 or vice versa then the semifinal will be in Colombo.

You sure? I read on ESPNCricinfo that India will play their semifinal in Mumbai and Pakistan in Colombo regardless of position

 

[shah9425]

You sure? I read on ESPNCricinfo that India will play their semifinal in Mumbai and Pakistan in Colombo regardless of position

I think it's about 1v2 if Pakistan finishes 2nd in group and India first they will play semi in Colombo

 

[Devadwal]

They won't play India. India will play their semifinal in Mumbai

Only if we don't face Pakistan in the semi-finals. The seedings for the semi-finals are not pre-determined.

Situation A: If India finishes first in its group (Group 1) and Pakistan finishes second in its group (Group 2).

Situation B: If India finishes second in Group 1 and Pakistan tops (first place) Group 2.

In Both situation india will play semifinal against Pakistan in Colombo.

If Pakistan does not qualify for the semi-finals, then both the semi-finals will be held in India whether Lanka qualifies or not.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Yes Pakistan beat New Zealand in 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final & 2023 ODI World Cup.

2023, match was abandoned

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

2023, match was abandoned

Oh ya, that was a rain curtailed game. Pak has won

 

[SportsWarrior]

Pakistan's game to lose this. NZ will struggle in slow pitches against 18 overs of spin

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Super 8s and finals should be awesome. I expect some tight games and legendary moments.

 

[rickroll]

Pakistan are a decent team and should win 2 out of 3 matches and qualify for the semi finals.

I expect that to be the end point of this journey because there's no one who looks like they'll be able to beat India.

Zimbabwe?

 

[zahid01]

It's important now for pakistan to go with the right combination if the win against New Zealand and gain some confidence then semi-finals are possible which ever teams clicks now will go all the way this is when you need to find form and go all the way

 

[CricVet]

70% chance of rain this time vs 40% against Namibia last time. I hope no rain and beat all the odds.

 

[sweep_shot]

70% chance of rain this time vs 40% against Namibia last time. I hope no rain and beat all the odds.

Only 1 game has been washed out so far (Zimbabwe-Ireland).

Hopefully we will get to see a game.

 

[CricVet]

Only 1 game has been washed out so far (Zimbabwe-Ireland).

Hopefully we will get to see a game.

Hopefully

 

[TeymurBlake]

Fakhar plays Santner very well. Pakistan must includes him for bobsy

They must, but will they… no.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

After having my head chewed out by Wasim, Waqar and Ramiz, Im looking forward to the class and common sense of Ian Smith and Simon Doull in the commentary box

 

[zulfiqar]

Not going to lie.. I feel like we're at the brink of a special run. Besides the mandatory loss vs India, there was one sketch game that Nederlands in all honesty should've won, and we were in "back to business" mode in the other 2 games.

Farhan & Usman Tariq have been really special so far in this tournament and if they continue to lead they will inspire the others to start performing at the same level. The spinners in the team have exploited spin-friendly conditions and aside from one bad game from Abrar, they've been exceptional and will continue to enjoy these conditions.

Skipper Salman has shown resiliency by keeping his batting position/intent despite failures. The fact that he bowled the first over in front of two dangerous IND openers (and having success) signaled to the rest of his team that each individual has a responsibility to lead from the front when called upon. Dropping Shaheen for Mirza reminds me of when Sarfaraz we made the switch to Hassan Ali in 2017 ICCT - as Shaheen simply cannot be played with his current form/mindset.

NZ is a great opportunity for Pak because I think our batsmen will fancy their chances against the pacers. NZ surely have to consider playing Sodhi, and we've had some mixed success against him in the past so we could have a batsman come out on top if he decides to take him on. Santner has been exceptional against us so we need to weather his 4 overs without taking too much damage but still take him for 25+. We all know NZ has great batting, but I fancy our spinners against them in SL.

After having watched some of the games from the other teams and all of Pak games, I feel the worst 2 match-ups for Pakistan are India and South Africa, and neither are in our group! Winning 2 of 3 games against NZ, ENG, and SL will land Pak as a Top 4 team in the tournament which will be a great accomplishment in my opinion, and you win one more game and you're in the Finals! Kinda hyped!!

 

[zulfiqar]

*Correction to above post: Hassan Ali was always in the playing XI, but Wahab made way for Junaid Khan and gave Hassan Ali the "lead bowler" role which he obviously relished in his inspired performance vs Eng in semifinal.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

After having my head chewed out by Wasim, Waqar and Ramiz, Im looking forward to the class and common sense of Ian Smith and Simon Doull in the commentary box

And Danny Morrison being Danny Morrison

 

[shah9425]

70% chance of rain this time vs 40% against Namibia last time. I hope no rain and beat all the odds.

Very difficult to predict weather of Colombo

 

[deltexas]

NZ start as overwhelming favorites for sthe game. 80-20 odds. Hope it's a close exciting game and not a boring one sided game no matter who wins..

 

[sweep_shot]

I think it is 60-40 in favor of Pakistan.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Pakistanis are clear favorites. Hoping for a India/Pak final

 

[Asif321]

Important game . If Pakistan win this they surely are going to semis .

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistanis are clear favorites. Hoping for a India/Pak final

Hoping for a Pakistan vs West Indies final.

 

[sweep_shot]

Important game . If Pakistan win this they surely are going to semis .

Yup. It should improve their chance of making it to semi.

This group is very competitive. All 4 can go to semi --> Pakistan, England, NZ, and Sri Lanka.