New Zealand face Pakistan in the Super Eights opener at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, with both teams considered outside favorites but capable of upsetting the tournament's top names. Pakistan are coming off a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia, featuring Sahibzada Farhan's maiden T20 century and a bowling performance that saw spinners Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan share seven wickets.
Pakistan captain Shadab Khan believes they're on the right track to win the World Cup, warning that the Super Eights will be a step up in difficulty with matches against England and Sri Lanka to follow the New Zealand test. New Zealand, who also reached the Super Eights, will be looking to make a strong statement in their first match of the second phase.