Tension gripped R Premadasa Stadium as Pakistan seized toss advantage over New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026’s Super 8 debut. Salman Agha, unflinching, chose batting to post a challenging total under the Colombo sun turning to lights.
Fakhar Zaman’s inclusion over Khwaja Nafees marks Pakistan’s lone adjustment, prioritizing flair. New Zealand revamps with three swaps, Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson’s comebacks enhancing death-over threats.
Bypassing the India hiccup, Pakistan ruled group play through spin ingenuity. Sahibzada Farhan’s dominance—220 runs, 164 strike rate, Namibia hundred—anchors hopes for a big score. Shadab Khan’s all-phase impact remains a cornerstone.
Pakistan XI locked in: Sahibzada Farhan, Sam Ayub, Salman Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
New Zealand mirrored excellence upfront, Tim Seifert’s 173 runs spearheading efforts. Glenn Phillips’ 76 off 36 on Canada turf revives his threat level, crucial for the pursuit ahead. Kiwis’ XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
Super 8 stakes elevate every delivery; Pakistan aims to dictate terms, while New Zealand hunts early momentum in the road to glory.