Pakistan and New Zealand are set to face off in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, but rain threatens to disrupt the high-stakes match.
Weather forecasts suggest heavy showers and strong winds could play a significant role in this pivotal clash.
Rain clouds over Colombo
According to AccuWeather, there is a 74 percent chance of rain in Colombo during the match, with gusty winds reaching up to 26 kmph.
The sky is heavily overcast, and light rain in the afternoon has increased humidity levels, making it feel hotter than the recorded 30°C temperature.
Evening temperatures are expected to drop to 25°C, but high humidity, up to 86 percent, will keep conditions humid and potentially challenging for players.
ICC rules could affect match result
No reserve day has been allocated for Super 8 matches in the T20 World Cup 2026.
If rain prevents both teams from completing at least 5 overs per innings, the match will be called off, and each team will be awarded one point.
This could have a significant impact on the Super 8 standings, where every point counts toward semi-final qualification.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Head-to-head
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 7 times in T20 World Cups, with Pakistan leading 5-2.
In overall T20 matches, Pakistan narrowly leads 24-23, highlighting the close competition between the sides.
Pakistan finished second in Group A with 3 wins and only one loss against India. Super 8 Group 2 consists of Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and England.
Team squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafi, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachan Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Cole McCunchy.
