The Super 8 match between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. A light rain is expected but no games have been affected yet. Pakistan, used to spin-friendly pitches, will rely on their deep spin attack, led by Usman Tariq, who has been unchallenged so far.
New Zealand will depend on middle‑order batters Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell to counter Tariq’s threat, while captain Mitchell Santner is expected to return to the bowling attack. Chapman noted the Kiwis’ familiarity with Pakistan, having played them frequently in recent T20Is.