T20 World Cup 2026: Match 41, NZ vs PAK Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between New Zealand vs Pakistan?

New Zealand and Pakistan are set to lock horns in Match 41 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage on February 21 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo at 7PM IST. 

Pakistan enter the clash with momentum on their side after sealing qualification with improved performances in the group stage. Their bowling unit, led by a strong spin attack, has been their strength, while the top order is slowly picking up the form. 

New Zealand, on the other hand, have looked balanced throughout the tournament. Their top order has provided solid starts, and the bowling attack has executed plans effectively in pressure situations. The Kiwis also have only lost one match, against South Africa, while winning the remaining three. 

With two quality sides battling it out in the Super 8s, expect a close contest with both the teams aiming for the semifinals berth. 

NZ vs PAK Match Details

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Pitch Report

The iconic stadium from Sri Lanka has hosted five matches so far in the tournament. Of these, four times team batting first has emerged victorious, while only once has the team chasing team won. However, chasing has been the preferred choice, and the trend is expected to continue.

NZ vs PAK Head to Head Record in T20s

NZ vs PAK Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand (NZ):

Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

Pakistan (PAK):

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha(C), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

NZ vs PAK Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Sahibzada Farhan 

The in-form batter from Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan will be the batter to watch out for in this contest. After duck against India, he came back strongly with an unbeaten 100 versus Namibia. Pakistan would want him to bat in the same way against New Zealand. 

Probable Best Bowler: Usman Tariq 

The mystery spinner from Pakistan has been a revelation in this tournament. In three matches so far, he has picked up eight wickets. Hence, he will be the bowler to watch out for in this contest. 

Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match