SATURDAY T20 WORLD CUP: The Edge previews Pakistan v New Zealand with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Pakistan v New Zealand
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage kicks off in Colombo on Saturday as Pakistan face New Zealand on Betdaq Exchange . It’s been absolutely incredible tournament so far from start to finish – a big hit for the ICC! It’s always a big debate how many sides to let into a World Cup, but the smaller nations have played a massive part in the drama – Nepal coming within a whisker of beating England, Netherlands troubling Pakistan, Zimbabwe pulling off one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history by knocking out Australia, and then that extraordinary double Super Over between South Africa and Afghanistan. Now we have a difference phase of the tournament, and we’ll see what drama comes when the top sides meet.
New Zealand have been quietly going about their business in the classic Kiwi fashion. They came through the so-called ‘Group of Death’ alongside South Africa with Afghanistan losing out. This is a very well-balanced New Zealand side, and they could easily creep into the Semi-Finals without much fanfare or fuss. It’ll be interesting to see who wins here though obviously – a loser will be on the back foot naturally. You could make an argument that these two will progress in a Group along with Sri Lanka and England – a very competitive Group but England haven’t been at their best and they have had issues with their bowlers. You could say every game is a must win game in such a competitive Group.
We’ve come a long way from when Pakistan’s government were boycotting their scheduled game against India before a last-minute reversal following frantic negotiations in Lahore. Pakistan started the tournament slowly, getting away with things against the Netherlands. New Zealand have probably played the better cricket over all. Clearly this is a massive game for both sides as start the Super 8 with a bang, and I’d expect a pretty even game.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We’re back in Colombo – Pakistan know conditions well having played their Group games in Sri Lanka but they only played here once – against India. It has been a fascinating pitch to watch so far in this tournament, batting first has offered a big edge in my opinion – well until Zimbabwe chased down Sri Lanka’s score on Thursday! The first innings scores have been 163/6 (won), 182/6 (won), 169/2 (won), 175/7 (won) and 178/7 (chased). The pitch has been playing reasonably well for batting in the first innings, but it does tend to slow down and get two-paced as the game goes on. Zimbabwe have done wonderful things here; this was the venue for their win over Australia so while we had a winning chase last time out, I would still bat first. Keep an eye on the weather radar too – rain has been around Sri Lanka throughout the tournament and the forecast for Colombo needs monitoring. Sri Lankan weather can be very hit-and-miss.
RECOMMENDED BET:
I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see New Zealand win this, and I’m also not surprised to see them as the odds on favourites at 1.78 – granted that it’s a very competitive market compared to some of the short prices we’d had at the Group stage. Pakistan’s Group stage form was inconsistent – totally outplayed against India and got away with a few things against Netherlands. As I said above, New Zealand just quietly go about their business and get the job done. They have plenty of quality across the batting line-up, and I do feel the conditions will suit their playing style too. If they can see off the Pakistan spinners in the middle overs, they can get the job done. I’m happy to take the 1.78.
The Edge Says:
Two points win New Zealand to beat Pakistan at 1.78 with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/WCNePa
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
You’d have to give an edge to the side who bats first here in my opinion, and it’s a no brainer what the winning captain will do at the toss unless there’s a very heavy dew. Pakistan’s spinners are very much their strength on this surface, so I’d be happy to support them in the middle overs. New Zealand are quite good at knowing when to pick their moments though; they won’t be afraid to soak up a bit of pressure. Scores haven’t been too low here considering batting hasn’t been straight-forward, but I wouldn’t expect an especially high scoring game. I’d be looking to back the side batting first early in the innings if they get off to a good start, with a view to watching very closely for dew. I’d be less confident of defending if there is dew.
