ISLAMABAD: Pakistan begins the Super Eights stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with renewed belief as they prepare to face New Zealand in Colombo on Saturday.
Though not ranked among the pre-tournament favourites, the 2009 champions remain one of the most dangerous sides in the competition, capable of turning matches in an instant.
The men in green sealed their Super Eights berth undoubtedly, thrashing Namibia by 102 runs after bowling them out for just 97.
The dominant performance came at the perfect time, especially after a tense defeat to archrivals India had left their campaign hanging in the balance.
All-rounder Shadab Khan played a pivotal role in that turnaround, smashing 36 off 22 balls and claiming 3-19 with the ball. His performance symbolised Pakistan’s ability to respond under pressure and rediscover rhythm when it matters most.
Shadab confident of Pakistan’s title push
Shadab insisted the squad never lost sight of their larger goal despite the scrutiny following the India defeat. “We are on the right track to achieve the goal of winning the World Cup, and we are following a process,” he said after the Namibia win.
He also cautioned that the Super Eights present a far sterner challenge, with England and co-hosts Sri Lanka awaiting after the New Zealand clash.
“There are eight good teams, so it will be a tough stage, and all matches will be high-pressure games,” he added.
Pakistan’s balance will be closely watched, particularly the bowling attack. The surprise omission of pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi against Namibia raised eyebrows, though he is expected to return for the high-stakes encounter with New Zealand.
Afridi’s return could boost Pakistan’s edge
Afridi, while picking up wickets in each of the first three group games, struggled with economy. His replacement, Salman Mirza, featured in the Namibia fixture, but Pakistan are likely to recall their premier left-arm quick for the Super Eights opener.
Pakistan’s history in the T20 World Cup underlines their pedigree. They were runners-up in the inaugural 2007 edition before lifting the trophy in 2009. A 13-year gap followed before their most recent final appearance, where England denied them the title.
Their experience in the knockout stages makes them a dangerous proposition. As three-time finalists, Pakistan understands tournament cricket better than most, and the squad will be eager to send an early message in this phase.
Recent record and rivalry
The clash marks the 50th T20 meeting between the two sides. Pakistan holds a slender historical advantage with 24 wins to New Zealand’s 23, highlighting how evenly matched the rivalry has been.
However, New Zealand dominated the most recent five-match T20 series last March, winning 4-1 on home soil. Pakistan struggled for batting consistency in that series, something they must correct in Colombo.
For Pakistan, the predicted XI includes Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (w), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq.
With momentum restored and belief growing, Pakistan now has the chance to lay down a marker in the Super Eights and reignite their pursuit of a second T20 world title.
