The first Super 8 game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be played between Pakistan vs New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday, February, 21, 2026. The match starts at 7:00 PM India time.
The Pak vs NZ T20 match from Group 2 is widely seen as a must-win for both sides in a “Group of Death” that also features heavyweights England and co-hosts Sri Lanka.
With only the top two teams from Group 2 advancing to the semi-finals, there is no room for error.
Where to Watch: TV Channels and Live Streaming
For fans looking to catch every ball of the PAK vs NZ Super 8 clash, here is the comprehensive broadcast and streaming guide across major regions:
India: Star Sports and JioHotstar
Pakistan: PTV Sports and Geo Super
New Zealand: Sky Sport 1, 2, 3, and 4
Sri Lanka: Dialog TV (Official Partner), TV Supreme, and PEO TV
UK & Ireland: Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event
USA & Canada: Willow TV
South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport Cricket and SuperSport Grandstand
Middle East & North Africa (MENA): CricLife Max (via StarzPlay)
Shaheens ki uraan le gi Black Caps ki speed ka imtehaan! 21st Feb ko dekho 🇵🇰 vs 🇳🇿 ka power-packed match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, LIVE on Tamasha. Download the app now: https://t.co/VcNGRiitwg 🤳🏻#AbDekhTamasha #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/WpZq3Bc8Hs
— Tamasha (@tamasha_digital) February 20, 2026
Live Streaming Links (Click to Watch)
- India: JioHotstar
- Pakistan: Myco | Tamasha
- New Zealand: Sky Sport Now
- Sri Lanka: ThePapare.com | Dialog Play
- UK & Ireland: NOW | Sky Sports
- USA & Canada: Willow TV
- Rest of the World: ICC.tv
Pakistan Team News
The form of opener Sahibzada Farhan, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, remains a massive positive. Fresh off a record-breaking 100* against Namibia, Farhan will be the wicket New Zealand prizes most.
Captain Salman Ali Agha will look to anchor the middle order alongside veteran Babar Azam, while the unique mystery spin of Usman Tariq is expected to be Pakistan’s “X-factor” on a Colombo surface known to grip and turn.
Team News New Zealand
The Black Caps, led by Mitchell Santner, arrive in Colombo with their trademark clinical efficiency. New Zealand’s strategy revolves around their versatile all-rounders—Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and James Neesham—who provide the tactical flexibility needed to adapt to Sri Lankan conditions.
Power-hitter Finn Allen and the consistent Devon Conway are expected to spearhead the attack at the top, aiming to exploit the powerplay before the pitch slows down. On the bowling front, Lockie Ferguson’s raw pace will be used to unsettle Pakistan’s middle order, while Santner’s left-arm orthodox spin will be vital in the middle overs.
Pitch and Conditions
The R. Premadasa Stadium has already hosted several thrillers this tournament, including Zimbabwe’s recent upset over Sri Lanka. Traditionally, the surface favors spinners and slower bowlers as the game progresses, making the toss crucial. With both teams possessing world-class spin attacks, the battle in the middle overs (7–15) will likely decide the outcome.
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