Sport|ICC Men's T20 World CupNew Zealand vs Pakistan: T20 World Cup Super Eights – teams, start, lineupsNew Zealand and Pakistan play the first game of the Super Eights stage at the T20 World Cup with both eyeing title tilt.
## New Zealand vs Pakistan: 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights
New Zealand vs Pakistan: 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights
Event: 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb 21, 2026, at 7pm (13:30 GMT)
Location: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Coverage: Coverage begins on Al Jazeera Sport from 10:30 GMT.
The Super Eights stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will commence on Saturday, featuring a match-up between New Zealand and Pakistan.
Pakistan's Performance in the Tournament
Pakistan, previous winners of the competition, have secured their place in the Super Eights after a commanding performance against Namibia, winning by 102 runs. Shadab Khan expressed confidence in their continued success, noting the team’s focus on winning the World Cup.
Bowling Namibia out for 97 was crucial after a defeat to India had put Pakistan at risk of elimination. Shadab contributed significantly with 36 runs and 3-19 in the match against Namibia.
In the Super Eights, Pakistan will face teams including England and co-hosts Sri Lanka following their match against New Zealand.
The Super Eights stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will commence on Saturday, featuring a match-up between New Zealand and Pakistan.
Pakistan's journey to the Super Eights was marked by a standout performance from opener Sahibzada Farhan, who scored an unbeaten century against Namibia. Spinners Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan played pivotal roles by taking seven wickets collectively.
Pakistan’s previous matches included an underwhelming win against the Netherlands and a victory over the USA, followed by a defeat by India.
New Zealand's Path to the Super Eights
New Zealand concluded their group stage with a victory over Canada, chasing a target of 174 with contributions from Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. Despite a heavy defeat to South Africa, New Zealand secured wins against Afghanistan and the UAE.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner missed the match against Canada due to illness. Daryl Mitchell assumed leadership for that game, but Santner is expected to return for the match against Pakistan.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed the match against Namibia, is anticipated to return for the game against New Zealand. His absence was notable, considering his performance in previous matches, despite a higher economy rate.
New Zealand has yet to win a T20 World Cup title. Their closest attempt was in 2021 when they were runners-up to Australia.
Pakistan, a three-time finalist, secured their only title in 2009 by defeating Sri Lanka.
The last T20 series between New Zealand and Pakistan resulted in a 4-1 victory for New Zealand. The final match saw New Zealand win by eight wickets.
This match marks the 50th meeting between the two teams in T20 cricket, with Pakistan leading narrowly with 24 victories to New Zealand’s 23.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (w), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
