COLOMBO (Kashmir English): Ahead of Pakistan’s Super 8 clash against New Zealand, Kiwi’s captain Mitchell Santner has fully recovered from illness and is likely to be part of the Playing XI in the T20 World Cup Super 8 game.
The crucial match is set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday at 6:30 pm (PST).
Addressing a press conference ahead of the game, New Zealand player Mark Chapman confirmed that Mitchell Santner has recovered and “should be in their XI for Saturday’s T20 World Cup Super Eights game against Pakistan.”
Chapam said that Pakistan’s spin attack remains their greatest weapon, specifically the mystery of Usman Tariq. “He has a pretty unique action with the way that he stops at the crease, so that’s something to factor in,” Chapman said.
Colombo weather update
As the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 starts tomorrow, the Colombo weather doesn’t look nice as rain is likely to affect the match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Cricket fans are really excited for a thrilling faceoff; however, there is a high probability of Precipitation on match day.
According to weather forecasting agency AccuWeather, there is a 74 percent chance of rain in Colombo on Saturday, while strong winds are also predicted.
As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, no reserve day has been allocated for the Super 8 matches of the T20 World Cup 2026.
If both teams are unable to play at least 5 overs per innings due to rain, the match will be abandoned, and both teams will be given one point each, but fans will be hoping for a clear day.
Pakistan Super 8 matches schedule
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the first match on February 21 at 6:30 pm (PST) at R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
In the second match of the Super Eights, the Green Shirts will play England on February 24 at 6:30 pm (PST) at Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy, and the third game against Sri Lanka will also be held at the same venue and time on Feb 28.
A tough competition is expected between all the teams to reach the next stage of the tournament, while the eyes of cricket fans are focused on Pakistan’s performance.
Pakistan will have to win at least two of its three matches to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
