Livestream Options, Where to Watch Live

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights stage launched with a highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday, February 21, 2026, but rain delayed the start shortly after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first.

The match, designated as Super Eights Match 41 and Group 2 opener, was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. GMT / 9:00 a.m. ET / 6:00 a.m. PT), with toss at 6:30 p.m. local. Persistent showers forced covers on the field, interrupting play and raising concerns over a full contest given no reserve day exists for Super Eights fixtures. As of late Saturday local time, conditions remained wet, with updates ongoing via official ICC channels.

Fans seeking livestream access have multiple options depending on location, with free and paid platforms available globally. In India, the match streams live on the JioHotstar app and website, with telecast on Star Sports Network channels. JioHotstar provides comprehensive coverage, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and other regional commentary feeds.

In Pakistan, PTV Sports and PTV Home offer free-to-air broadcast, while digital streaming is available on Tamasha, Myco, Tapmad and ARY Zapp. Urdu commentary enhances local viewing. New Zealand viewers can access the game on Sky Sport channels, with streaming via Sky Sport Now subscription service (starting at NZ$29.99/day or higher plans).

For global audiences in territories without exclusive rights, ICC.tv provides free live streaming of every match, including this one. The platform covers numerous countries where no local broadcaster holds rights, accessible via icc-cricket.com/icc-tv. Viewers in restricted regions (e.g., India, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) may require a VPN to unlock ICC.tv, though official broadcasters take precedence locally.

In the United States and Caribbean, Willow TV streams the match (via Sling or standalone subscription), with ESPN+ offering select coverage in some packages. UK fans watch on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming on NOW. Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, accesses the game through SuperSport platforms.

Other regions: Sky Italia covers the tournament for Italian audiences, focusing on key matches; Dialog TV and PEO TV handle Sri Lanka (co-host); and various free-to-air options exist in Bangladesh (T Sports, Nagorik) and elsewhere. Official ICC partners ensure broad reach, with audio commentary available on many platforms.

The rain interruption adds drama to an already intriguing fixture. Pakistan, entering Super Eights after topping their group with three wins in five matches, boast strong spin options suited to Premadasa’s conditions. New Zealand, finishing their group strongly, rely on pace and discipline but face challenges on turning tracks. Pakistan made one change, bringing in Fakhar Zaman, while New Zealand included Ish Sodhi.

Despite the delay, anticipation remains high for a potential low-scoring thriller if play resumes. Dew could favor the chasing side if the match shortens or shifts late. Head-to-head records show a close rivalry, with Pakistan holding a slight edge overall.

Check local listings or the ICC website for real-time updates on resumption. Broadcasters like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz and Al Jazeera provide live text commentary and score updates during delays.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses, this Super Eights opener sets the tone for Group 2 battles, with England and Sri Lanka next. Fans worldwide tune in via official channels to catch every ball when conditions allow.