Colombo is buzzing ahead of Saturday’s Super 8 showdown between New Zealand and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium. New Zealand’s all-rounder Mark Chapman delivered a positive health update on regular captain Mitchell Santner during Friday’s press conference, revealing the skipper’s eagerness to return to action.
Santner missed the group stage clash against Canada due to illness, but Chapman painted an optimistic picture. ‘He’s looking pretty sprightly, so I think he’s pretty excited to get back out there,’ Chapman said. ‘Barring any last-minute illness, I think he’ll be on the park.’
The Kiwi camp also shared news on pace bowler Lockie Ferguson, who’s currently unavailable after heading home on paternity leave but could rejoin soon. With recent encounters fresh in mind, New Zealand is well aware of Pakistan’s spin threats. Chapman highlighted Usman Tariq’s unique action, urging the team to focus broadly rather than singularly.
‘Usman Tariq has got a bit of an unusual action, the way he pauses on the crease, so we’ve got to watch that. But Pakistan have got some other good spinners as well, so it’s not just about him. Our focus will be on all their bowlers,’ he added. The Black Caps aim to tackle the challenge as a united front.
Pitch conditions are set to differ markedly from India’s red-soil tracks, where batsmen dominated with scores nearing 200. Colombo’s slower surfaces favor spinners and bowlers, offering New Zealand a chance to shine. ‘The pitches in Sri Lanka are slower, hopefully giving the bowlers a chance to show their skills,’ Chapman noted.
Playing all three Super 8 games in Colombo could prove advantageous, minimizing travel fatigue. ‘Staying in one place allows us to learn from each game and adapt better,’ Chapman concluded, setting the stage for an intense battle.