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The ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 has now reached its most exciting stage. On February 21st, the 41st match of the Super 8 stage will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand at the historic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams have reached this stage with three wins each in the group stage, but a big question is on everyone's mind in the Pakistan camp, Will Babar Azam be dropped from the playing XI?
Babar Azam's Poor Form: Will he play against New Zealand?
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This World Cup has been a nightmare for former captain Babar Azam. While the younger players are performing brilliantly, Babar is struggling for runs. His stats from previous matches are as follows:
- Babar Azam vs Netherlands: 15 runs (18 balls)
- Babar Azam vs USA: 46 runs (32 balls)
- Babar Azam vs India: 5 runs (7 balls)
- Babar Azam vs Namibia: He was not sent to bat at all. Khawaja Nafe and Shadab Khan were promoted in their place, and Pakistan won the match.
Babar, who has scored only 66 runs in four matches, is now under increasing pressure from the team management, especially when players like Sahibzada Farhan are in excellent form.
Venue and pitch analysis: Will Pakistan have the edge against New Zealand?
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Under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan played all their group matches in Sri Lanka. The team is fully familiar with the Colombo pitches and conditions, which gives them a slight advantage over New Zealand. On the other hand, the Kiwi team, led by Mitchell Santner, has adapted very well to the conditions despite playing in India.
PAK vs NZ Head-to-Head: The two teams have a very close record in T20 Internationals. Pakistan holds a slight lead of 24-23 in the 49 matches played so far.
Also Read: Top 3 players to watch out in NZ vs PAK Super 8 match
PAK vs NZ Playing 11: Predicted Lineups for Super 8
Both teams are expected to field the following players for this big match:
Pakistan (PAK) Possible Playing 11
1. Saim Ayub, 2. Sahibzada Farhan, 3. Agha Salman(C), 4. Khawaja Nafay(WK), 5. Shadab Khan, 6. Babar Azam, 7. Usman Khan(WK), 8. Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Faheem Ashraf, 10. Salman Mirza, 11. Usman Tariq
New Zealand (NZ) Possible Playing 11
Tim Seifert(WK), 2. Finn Allen(WK), 3. Rachin Ravindra, 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Mark Chapman, 6. Daryl Mitchell(C), 7. Cole McConchie, 8. James Neesham, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Kyle Jamieson, 11. Jacob Duffy
Match Details and Live Streaming
- Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Super 8, Group 2)
- Date: February 21, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM (IST)
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Conclusion: Will Babar Azam Be Dropped for the Super 8 Opener?
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Although Babar Azam has a great stature, T20 cricket is a game of form. If Pakistan wants to remain in contention for a semifinal spot, they may have to make tough decisions. Will the team management give Babar another chance or replace him with an in-form batsman? It will be interesting to see.
Also Read: AUS-W vs IND-W AI Prediction, Team, Winning Probability Odds, Stats,Fantasy Tips
Disclaimer
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