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The upcoming Super Eights match between New Zealand and Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup is shaping up to be an absolute thriller. Both teams have been playing great cricket, each winning three out of their four group-stage games. As they prepare to face off in Colombo, here are three exciting player matchups that could easily decide the outcome of the game.
Also Read: Top 3 Run-Scorers who Lit Up the T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage
1. Sahibzada Farhan vs. Mitchell Santner
Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan is having a spectacular tournament. After solid scores of 47 and 73, he recently blasted a brilliant unbeaten century against Namibia. However, he will face a tough test against the clever Kiwi spinner, Mitchell Santner. While Santner has had a relatively quiet World Cup so far, he has historically kept Farhan in check, conceding just two runs in their only previous T20 encounter.
2. Glenn Phillips vs. Usman Tariq
This is a brand-new rivalry, as these two have never faced each other in a T20 International before. Phillips has been New Zealand’s most dependable batter, comfortably handling both fast and spin bowling to score crucial match-winning runs. He will be up against the mystery of Usman Tariq, whose unusual round-arm bowling action has troubled many batters. Tariq is in great form, recently taking impressive match figures of 4 for 16.
3. Finn Allen vs. Shadab Khan
Get ready for fireworks when these two meet! New Zealand's explosive opener Finn Allen has completely dominated this matchup in the past, smashing 44 runs off just 20 balls against Shadab Khan. Allen is currently in dangerous form, but Shadab is a smart all-rounder who knows how to bounce back. Having just taken a three-wicket haul against Namibia, the Pakistani spinner will be desperate to grab Allen's wicket early and settle the score.
