Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the T20 World Cup Super-8 today (Saturday) at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The pitch may be helpful for spinners, while the Meteorological Department has predicted rain. If the match is cancelled, both the teams may suffer huge losses.
PAK vs NZ T20 World Cup Super-8 Match: The Super-8 of the T20 World Cup will start on Saturday 21st February with the Pakistan vs New Zealand match. This match will be played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from 7 pm onwards. Let us tell you that Pakistan finished second after India in Group A and reached Super-8. New Zealand stood second after South Africa in Group D.
What time will the toss take place?
The toss between Pakistan and New Zealand can take place at 6.30 pm. The toss will be important for both the teams. It is believed that the pitch of Premadasa Stadium can prove helpful for spin bowlers. In such a situation, the team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first. In this first match of Group-2 of Super-8, New Zealand’s middle order will face Pakistan’s spin unit. This match is expected to be very interesting.
Colombo Pitch Report: Pakistan gets advantage like home environment?
The pitch at Premadasa Stadium is expected to be better for spin bowling than the pitch at Sinhalese Sports Club. Apart from this, due to big boundaries, scoring runs becomes an even bigger challenge. However, on Thursday, Zimbabwe had a high-scoring win over Sri Lanka on what was a good pitch for batting. New Zealand will play in Colombo for the first time in this tournament, which may increase the challenge further. In contrast, Pakistan have been present in Colombo since the beginning of the World Cup and have already played two matches at the Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially the spinners, know how to use the right pace and length on this slow pitch. To hit big shots here, not only strength but also intelligence is required.
Colombo Weather Forecast: Rain may become a hindrance
According to AccuWeather, there is a possibility of 80 to 100 percent cloud cover in Colombo on Saturday. Since the match will start at 7 pm. In such a situation, weather can play a big role in this match. There is a possibility of light rain in the evening. Earlier on Friday, Pakistan’s training session had to be canceled due to rain.
What will happen if the match is cancelled?
If the Pakistan vs New Zealand match is canceled due to rain, then both teams’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals may suffer a setback. No reserve day has been kept for this match. In such a situation, both the teams will have to share the points.
Pressure on New Zealand middle order
New Zealand’s batsmen have not looked in full form so far in this tournament. Openers Tim Sheffert and Finn Allen have together scored three half-centuries. But Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell have not been able to perform regularly in the middle order. Phillips and Ravindra have definitely scored one fifty each, but overall their contribution has been limited. Rachin Ravindra has scored 72 runs in four matches, 59 of which came in a single match against Canada.
Pakistan: Probable playing-11
Salman Ali Aga (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Sam Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
New Zealand: Probable playing-11
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie.