New Zealand vs Pakistan: T20 World Cup Super Eights – teams, start, lineups
Al Jazeera
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights kicks off with a high-stakes clash between New Zealand and Pakistan on February 21 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Both teams, considered dark horses for the title, enter this match with momentum and a strong belief in their ability to challenge the tournament’s top contenders. The game is set to be a thrilling encounter, as both sides aim to establish themselves as serious contenders in the next phase of the competition.
Pakistan secured their place in the Super Eights after an impressive performance against Namibia, where Shadab Khan’s all-around contribution highlighted their depth and determination. Despite being underdogs, Pakistan’s ability to bounce back from a defeat to India shows their resilience and focus on claiming the World Cup crown. Their spin-bowling prowess, led by Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan, will be crucial in challenging New Zealand’s batting lineup.
New Zealand, meanwhile, has been building momentum with solid performances, including an eight-wicket win against Canada that showcased their strong batting core. Players like Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra have been instrumental in their success, while the absence of Mitchell Santner due to illness adds a layer of uncertainty for their spin strategy. Daryl Mitchell led the team in Santner’s stead, but his return for the Pakistan match could bolster New Zealand’s chances.
The Super Eights stage is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams aware of the challenges ahead. Pakistan will face England and Sri Lanka after this game, while New Zealand prepares for a daunting matchup against India later in the tournament. This clash not only determines their progress but also sets
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/19/2026