T20 WC: Pakistan opt to bat first against New Zealand in Super 8 face-off

Colombo: In the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan have won the toss against New Zealand and elected to bat.

At the match being played in Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first after winning the toss. For the fixture against New Zealand, Fakhar Zaman has been included in the playing XI in place of Khawaja Nafay.

Pakistan’s playing XI comprises Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq.

🚨 TOSS & PLAYING XI 🚨

Pakistan win the toss and elect to bat first 🏏

One change to our playing XI for the Super Eights fixture today 🇵🇰#PAKvNZ | #T20WorldCup | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/yjNb8f7Iyv

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 21, 2026

It is worth noting that rain is also forecast during the match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Under International Cricket Council regulations, no reserve day has been allocated for Super 8 matches of the T20 World Cup 2026.

If rain prevents both sides from completing a minimum of five overs per innings, the match will be abandoned and each team will be awarded one point.