A blockbuster start to the Super 8 stage awaits as New Zealand and Pakistan face off in Match 1 of the second round. Taking place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, this Group 2 fixture is a rematch of the high-stakes 2024 semi-final. Both teams have overcome significant hurdles to reach this stage: New Zealand navigated a spin-heavy Group D, while Pakistan secured their spot in a dramatic "do-or-die" final group game against Namibia. Catch every moment live on [[/channel/willow-sports-live-cricket-tv/:Willow by Cricbuzz]] on TrillerTV. Head-to-Head: The Subcontinental Tug-of-War The rivalry between the Black Caps and the Shaheens is one of the most evenly matched in T20 history. While Pakistan has traditionally held the upper hand in major ICC tournaments, New Zealand's recent dominance in bilateral series has balanced the scales. Overall T20Is: 50 matches (Pakistan 24, New Zealand 24, No Result 2). Recent Series (March 2025): New Zealand won the series 3-2. T20 World Cup History: Pakistan leads 5-2. 2024 Semi-Final: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets. Team Form & Recent Results New Zealand (W-W-L-L-W) Under the captaincy of [[/fighter/mitchell-santner/40386/:Mitchell Santner]], the Kiwis have fully embraced a "spin-first" strategy. They qualified from Group D after a masterclass performance in Chennai, where their openers set a world-record partnership. Group Stage: Qualified 2nd from Group D (Defeated UAE, Canada, and Afghanistan). Record: [[/fighter/finn-allen/40430/:Finn Allen]] and Tim Seifert recorded a 175-run opening stand against the UAE, the highest in tournament history. Pakistan (W-L-W-W-L) The "Green Shirts" are the tournament's ultimate survivors. After a bruising loss to India in the group stage, Salman Ali Agha's side dismantled Namibia by 102 runs on February 18 to leapfrog the USA on Net Run Rate and snatch the final Super 8 spot. Last Match: Defeated Namibia by 102 runs (Salman Ali Agha 4/18). Status: Finished 2nd in Group A behind India. Strategy: Pakistan is leaning heavily on their "Mystery Spin" duo of Abrar Ahmed and the unorthodox Usman Tariq, who has been the breakout star of their campaign. Players in Focus [[/fighter/finn-allen/40430/:Finn Allen]] (New Zealand): The tournament's most explosive opener. Fresh from a record-breaking Big Bash season, his ability to target the Pakistani pacers in the powerplay is New Zealand's primary path to a massive total. Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan): The captain is in the form of his life. After leading the team to survival with a 4-wicket haul against Namibia, his tactical decisions on the slow Colombo deck will be the game's pivot point. [[/fighter/mitchell-santner/40386/:Mitchell Santner]] (New Zealand): The "Colombo Specialist." On the R. Premadasa track, his subtle variations and experience in Sri Lankan conditions make him the most dangerous bowler for Pakistan's middle order. [[/fighter/babar-azam/36640/:Babar Azam]] (Pakistan): The anchor. After a quiet group stage by his standards, the world-leading run-scorer thrives in the pressure of the Super 8s. His battle against the left-arm spin of Santner will be a tactical masterclass.