NZ vs PAK Match Prediction & Head to Head Records: Who Will Win Today’s Match Between New Zealand vs Pakistan - ICC Men's T20 World Cup Match 41
- Published: February 20, 2026
- Updated: February 20, 2026
- By AllCric Team
Match Preview
Pakistan and New Zealand face off in the Super 8 (Group 2) clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Both teams enter this stage with identical group records, having won three out of four matches. Pakistan head into this contest after a dominant 102-run win vs Namibia, while New Zealand sealed qualification with a convincing 8-wicket win vs Canada.
The PAK vs NZ prediction today match hinges on how well New Zealand handle Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack on a sluggish Colombo surface. Pakistan deployed 18 overs of spin against India and are likely to follow the same strategy here. Meanwhile, the NZ vs PAK dream11 match prediction today will spotlight power-hitters like Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, who have smashed 15 sixes combined in this tournament. With momentum and spin advantage on their side, the PAK vs NZ match prediction slightly favors Pakistan in this Super 8 opener.
NZ vs PAK Match Details
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand – Super 8 (Group 2)
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Date: Saturday, 21 February 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
NZ vs PAK Pitch Report – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The Colombo surface has traditionally been slow and spin-friendly. Totals in the 160–170 range are competitive, and the pitch tends to slow further in the second innings. Spinners are expected to play a decisive role once again.
- Pitch Condition: Balanced but slow
- Batting Conditions: Moderate scoring
- Pace Bowling: Early swing under lights
- Spin Bowling: High turn and grip
- Competitive Total: 170+
Weather Report – Colombo
- Temperature: 26–27°C
- Mostly cloudy conditions
- 20–30% rain chances
- High humidity levels
- Possibility of brief rain interruptions
NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | Pakistan (PAK) Won | New Zealand (NZ) Won |
|---|---|---|
|
47 |
24 |
23 |
Latest meeting (26-Mar-2025): New Zealand won by 8 wickets (with 60 balls remaining)
NZ vs PAK Predicted Playing XI
Pakistan (PAK) Predicted XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand (NZ) Predicted XI
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham / Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Probable Top Performers – NZ vs PAK
Batters to Watch
- Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) – 220 runs in this tournament
- Finn Allen (NZ) – 137 runs in this tournament
- Tim Seifert (NZ) – 173 runs in this tournament
Bowlers to Watch
- Usman Tariq (PAK) – 8 wickets in this tournament
- Shadab Khan (PAK) – 5 wickets in this tournament
- Mitchell Santner (NZ) – Key spinner on slow surfaces
PAK vs NZ Toss Prediction
Given the humid conditions and possible rain interruptions, chasing could be advantageous under DLS scenarios. Captains are likely to bowl first.
Toss Prediction: To Bowl
NZ vs PAK Match Prediction & Ananlysis
This Super 8 clash promises to be evenly matched, but Pakistan’s heavy spin deployment could prove decisive on a sluggish Colombo track. Their bowlers have taken 26 of 33 wickets through spin in the tournament, showing clear tactical intent.
New Zealand possess explosive hitters, but handling high-quality spin in the middle overs will be their biggest test. Considering current form, familiarity with conditions, and stronger spin options, the PAK vs NZ match prediction today leans slightly toward Pakistan.
To better judge today’s result, you can look at the CAN vs NZ match 31 and the PAK vs NAM match 35 prediction for clearer insights
Match Prediction: Pakistan to Win
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❓FAQs
Pakistan are slight favorites due to their spin advantage and recent dominant performance.
The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.
A total of 160–170 runs is considered competitive on this surface.
Pakistan and New Zealand have a very close record, with Pakistan leading slightly.