T20 World Cup: Health update on New Zealand captain before the Super-8 match, know what the fellow player said?

New Zealand vs Pakistan, Super-8: The group stage matches of T20 World Cup 2026 are over. Now 8 teams have started preparations for Super-8. The first match of Super-8 will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand. This match will be held in Colombo’s R. Will be played at Premadasa Cricket Stadium.

Before this match, New Zealand all-rounder Mark Chapman said that regular captain Mitchell Santner is excited about the match against Pakistan. Mark Chapman gave Mitchell Santner’s health update in the press conference held on Friday. Santner could not play the group stage match against Canada due to illness. Lockie Ferguson has returned to New Zealand. He will not be seen playing in this match.

What did Chapman say about Santner?

Chapman said, ‘Santner is looking very active, so I think he is very excited to get back on the field. Barring some last-minute illness, I think he will be on the field. Lockie Ferguson is currently unavailable. He can join the team soon.”

New Zealand has played a lot of cricket against Pakistan in recent times. In such a situation, the Kiwi team is aware of the challenges coming against this team. The team also understands very well the problems caused by spin bowling.

What did Chapman say about Usman Tariq?

Chapman said, ‘Usman Tariq’s action is unique, the way he stays at the crease, it needs attention. Pakistan has other good spinners, so instead of focusing only on Tariq, our focus will be on all the bowlers. We want to come out strongly as a team against Pakistan.”

Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: First match of Super-8 between Pakistan and New Zealand; Know how the pitch and weather will be

New Zealand had toured India for a 5-match T20 series before the World Cup. New Zealand has to play the match against Pakistan in Sri Lanka. On the conditions at both the places, Chapman said, ‘The conditions in Colombo are expected to be quite different from the conditions seen earlier in the tournament in India. Sri Lankan pitches are more conducive to spin. We will wait and see how the pitch looks. We will read the pitch thoroughly before adopting any approach.”

New Zealand’s Super-8 matches in Colombo

New Zealand has to play all three of its Super-8 matches in Colombo. Chapman believed that this could benefit his team. He said, ‘I think, when you play in these tournaments, it is a big challenge to go from one place to another and adjust. I think by playing all three matches here, we will keep learning in every game. It’s good for us to play at the same place.”