The New Zealand cricket team travels from India to Sri Lanka. After acing the group stage in the T20 World Cup 2026, the Kiwis will make their bid for the semifinal. Placed in Group 2 of the Super 8, the Mitchell Santner-led team will face Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Availability concerns
In their group stage match against Canada, New Zealand made a few forced changes. Santner himself didn’t play due to a stomach bug after having a ‘dodgy burger’, stated stand-in captain Daryl Mitchell. Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson had gone back home for the birth of his first newborn.
Santner is expected to feature in the New Zealand vs Pakistan match. His teammate Mark Chapman confirmed that, barring any last-minute issues, he’ll lead the team. “He looks pretty sprightly, so I think he’s pretty excited to get back on the park. Barring any last-minute sickness, I think he’ll be there,” Chapman said in the pre-match press conference.
However, Ferguson isn’t confirmed to play. The fast bowler landed in Sri Lanka on February 20, but the management will assess whether he’ll be in the starting XI.
“Obviously, Lockie has left us. I think he’s currently on the way back. I think he’s landing potentially tonight (Friday). So, we’ll just see how he pulls up from the flight. I can’t confirm or say whether he’ll be in the 11 or not. I’m not too sure, to be honest,” Chapman added.
Ish Sodhi over James Neesham?
Considering New Zealand is playing at the R. Premadasa Stadium, spin will come into the game. In the group stage, they played just one frontline spinner in Santner. But Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra have both bowled regularly in the tournament, and even Mark Chapman can roll his arm.
Considering Pakistan can play anywhere from 4 to 6 spinners, New Zealand might need to add another spinner. Ish Sodhi’s the best candidate. He hasn’t played a match in the T20 World Cup but could get his first game.
Cole McConchie is the other option as an off-spinner. But he disappointed against Canada, going for 34 runs in 3 overs. If Sodhi comes in, it has to be for James Neesham. Or else New Zealand’s new-ball bowling, which is their strength, will suffer.
Predicted New Zealand Playing XI vs Pakistan
Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi
Bench: Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway
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