The Super 8 match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is a high‑stakes encounter, as a defeat would severely dent either side’s progression. Rain is expected but has not yet affected play, and the spin‑friendly pitch favours Pakistan’s deep spin arsenal.
Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq has been a standout, and New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell must navigate his unique action. New Zealand also plans to bring back captain Mitchell Santner, whose left‑arm pace suits Sri Lankan conditions, while Pakistan is likely to keep the same XI, leaving out some of their less‑in‑form spinners.