New Zealand vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup Predictions, Odds, & Best Bets

New Zealand and Pakistan match up in Colombo for the first match of the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage on Saturday. The BetMGM online sportsbook prices New Zealand as the clear cricket betting favourites.

Neither of these teams were among the pre-tournament favourites to go all the way, but the Kiwis put in some strong performances in the group stage, and Pakistan have reached the semi-finals in six of the previous nine T20 World Cups. 

New Zealand vs. Pakistan Match Winner Odds 

New Zealand vs. Pakistan Predictions

I predict New Zealand will beat Pakistan relatively comfortably on Saturday.

New Zealand have showcased their firepower with the bat. Pakistan’s approach to T20 cricket is outdated, and they will struggle to live with the Kiwis. 

New Zealand vs. Pakistan Best Bets

I predict Tim Seifert, one of the best batters in the tournament to date, will score over 22.5 runs. Poor showings in the last two group stage matches aren’t enough to outweigh Seifert’s stellar form in the three previous matches. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ineffective, which is part of the reason Seifert should be able to get off to a good start. The variations of Saim Ayub have been important for this Pakistan bowling unit – Ayub is +500 to be Pakistan’s top bowler, despite taking three wickets against India.

For Pakistan to stand a chance in this match, either Ayub or Sahibzada Farhan need to get off to a flyer. Their middle order isn’t as powerful as New Zealand’s, and it’s hard to see how they keep pace.