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COLOMBO: Weather could play a significant role in Saturday’s Super Eight clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Weather reports indicate overcast skies and light showers this afternoon, creating a warm, humid and potentially disruptive atmosphere ahead of play.
Current temperatures hover around 30°C, but with humidity near 80%, it feels closer to 37°C, while shaded areas record a RealFeel of 34°C.
Winds are gusting up to 26 km/h from the west-northwest, adding an occasional breeze to the conditions.
Rainfall measured so far stands at 7.6 mm, with a 75 percent chance of further showers, and cloud cover close to complete at 99 percent.
Visibility is moderate at around 5 km. The high dew point of 24°C further reflects the moisture-laden air, conditions that could influence both bowling and batting strategies.
By evening, conditions are expected to improve slightly, with temperatures dropping to around 25°C and a RealFeel of 29°C.
While skies will remain fully cloudy, chances of rain are forecast to fall to 25 percent.
Winds will ease, blowing from the east at around 7 km/h, and humidity is likely to rise further to 86 percent, keeping the atmosphere sticky as dew becomes a possible factor later in the night.
For Pakistan, this match carries considerable importance after a strong Group A performance that saw them finish second with three wins from four games, their only loss coming against India.
In the Super Eights, they find themselves in Group 2 alongside the co-hosts Sri Lanka, New Zealand and England.
Historically, Pakistan have enjoyed the edge over New Zealand in T20 World Cup meetings, leading the head-to-head 5-2 across seven encounters.
In all T20 internationals between the two teams, Pakistan hold a narrow advantage with 24 wins to New Zealand’s 23, while two matches ended without a result.
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