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New Zealand playing XI - (Source: X.com)
On Saturday, February 21, New Zealand and Pakistan will kickstart the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage when the two teams lock horns against each other at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The two heavyweights are placed in group 2 and are fresh off a win in their last group-stage games.
New Zealand and Pakistan have had a similar tournament so far, as they finished the group with six points in four matches. The Kiwis lost to the Proteas, while the Men in Green suffered humiliation against India. Nonetheless, the two teams would have surely put that thing aside as they now aim to perform well in Super 8 and book a place in the semis.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Preview
For New Zealand, they were without their regular skipper, Mitchell Santner, who missed the Kiwis’ last match against Canada because of an upset stomach. The 34-year-old has recovered from the food poisoning and is all set to return to lead New Zealand for the crucial match against Pakistan.
For the unversed, the match will be held at the Premadasa Stadium, where the batters struggled to score big because of challenging conditions. The spinners were on song, which is why Santner’s availability is a big boost for the Kiwis.
Lockie Ferguson is unlikely to return as he recently welcomed parenthood. Therefore, a few changes are expected in New Zealand’s playing XI, and this article will shed light on the Kiwis’ probable playing XI for the upcoming match against Pakistan.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Pakistan- Super 8 Match 1
Openers and Top Order (Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra)
New Zealand won't make any changes to their top-order. They want powerhitters at the top, who can replicate Ishan Kishan-like heroics at the Premadasa Stadium. Thus, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are the perfect choice as they have scored 310 runs combined in the group-stage.
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Rachin Ravindra, who struggled in the tournament, has also regained his form and scored a brilliant 59 (39) against Canada. Now, in case, Allen and Seifert's all guns blazing plan does not go according to plan, then Rachin can play his natural game and put on a big score for his side.
Middle Order and All Rounders (Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham)
Glenn Phillips proved his mettle against Canada where he scored unbeaten 76 (36). The rest are not yet tested in the tournament, but eyes will be on Daryl Mitchell, who will be a crucial player on such surfaces.
James Neesham's medium pace can be pretty valuable as he can use the nature of Premadasa pitch to put batters to trouble. Rest, Phillips can also roll his arms to don the role of an extra spinner in the team.
Bowlers (Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy)
New Zealand bowlers have been below-par in this tournament. Jacob Duffy has been the biggest disappointment with just 3 wickets in four matches. Same goes for Matt Henry, who has four wickets in four games.
The Kiwis will opt for an extra spinner for the upcoming clash and therefore, Ish Sodhi is expected to play against Pakistan, replacing Kyle Jamieson in the team.
New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa- Super 8, Match 1, T20 World Cup 2026
Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
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