Cricket Betting Tips For T20 World Cup 2026 - New Zealand vs Pakistan

Both New Zealand and Pakistan come into this clash in similar form. So, who will come out on top? We review all the key stats and data to put forward our best cricket betting tips.

The Super 8’s stage of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup kicks off with the clash between New Zealand and Pakistan. In our preview of this game, we review recent performances, head-to-head clashes, predicted lineups, and more. So, before you bet on cricket, make sure you check out our preview!

Odds thanks to Betista (accurate at time of publication).

New Zealand

New Zealand will be buoyed by the fact that they have won four of their last five T20s against Pakistan. They boast a strong team with a lot of all-rounders. Their bowling attack should also thrive on the Colombo pitch, where they haven’t played yet.

There was only one blimp in New Zealand's campaign, when they were beaten by South Africa. South Africa won by seven wickets (and 17 balls left). New Zealand honestly didn’t look that great in that clash, but they bounced back well next time out, beating Canada comprehensively.

New Zealand are filled with experienced players, many of whom won’t be overawed with the situation and importance of the match. The likes of Devon Conway and Finn Allen can both score quickly, and I expect one or both of them to step up in this game.

Pakistan

Pakistan are certainly capable of beating New Zealand and having a deep run in the World Cup, but they are unpredictable. Like New Zealand, Pakistan lost just one of their four matches so far this tournament. That loss came against India, and was on the same ground they play on in this game.

India won that clash pretty comprehensively as well, beating Pakistan by 61 runs. The team will look to Sahibzada Farhan once again. Farhan is the highest runscorer in the World Cup, and he is currently averaging 73.33. 

Babar Azam will also be looking to control the innings when his time in the middle comes. The Pakistani bowling attack looks pretty good as well, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Pakistan do have the benefit of playing all their games in Sri Lanka, and with the weather potentially playing a part, they will likely bowl first if they win the toss.

In T20s, New Zealand have the hold over Pakistan, winning four of their last five matches. New Zealand were in Group D, and they won three of their four games in the World Cup. Their only loss came against South Africa. Pakistan also won three of their four World Cup clashes, with their only loss against India.

The most vital trends that you should be aware of leading into this match: 

• New Zealand haven’t managed to take more than six wickets in a match so far this tournament.
• Pakistani Sahibzada Farhan is the highest run scorer in the tournament.
• New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips comes into this match in fine form, after blasting 76 (not out) in just 36 balls against Canada.

This will be the first time New Zealand travels to Sri Lanka and plays on the Colombo pitch. Pakistan has played all their matches in Sri Lanka. While that in itself will present some challenges to the New Zealand team, they look like a more well-rounded squad.

Also, New Zealand’s head-to-head record against Pakistan shows a clear edge to the Kiwis (4-1). The pitches at Colombo tend to be a little slower, which I think will work in captain Mitchell Santner’s favour massively. Take New Zealand to win in a close one!

The first game of the Super 8’s looks to be a thriller, with both teams coming into this clash with similar performances to date. New Zealand looks like the slightly more balanced side, so I’ll be taking them for the win. Also, don’t forget that there are plenty of betting bonuses to take advantage of in New Zealand. So, before you place your bets, make sure you check them out!