Super Eight stage kicks off as Pakistan face New Zealand

The Super Eight phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins today with a high‑stakes clash between Pakistan national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The match is scheduled to start at 3:30pm Bangladesh time (7:00 pm IST).

Pakistan and New Zealand both advanced to the Super Eight round after finishing second in their respective groups during the initial stage of the tournament. The two sides have a closely contested T20 head‑to‑head record, with Pakistan holding a narrow edge historically in World Cup encounters, while the overall Twenty20 record remains almost even. ([NDTV Sports][1])

Pakistan will look to build momentum after progressing despite a mixed campaign, led by in‑form batsmen such as Sahibzada Farhan and skipper Babar Azam. New Zealand, meanwhile, booked their Super Eight place with convincing wins, boosted by strong performances from the likes of Glenn Phillips and Tim Seifert.

Conditions in Colombo could play a key role in the contest. Overcast skies and a high chance of rain have raised concerns that weather interruptions may affect play, with no reserve day available in the Super Eight stage. If the match is significantly disrupted by rain, both teams could be awarded a point each under ICC rules.

The outcome of this opener will set the tone for both sides’ Super Eight campaigns, as they aim to secure a semifinal spot in the marquee T20 event, which runs through March 8 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.