New Zealand Get Mitchell Santner Boost Ahead of Pakistan Clash, Lockie Ferguson Remains Uncertain For T20 World Cup Tie

Mitchell Santner has been declared fit for New Zealand's T20 World Cup Super 8s tie against Pakistan, Mark Chapman has confirmed. The Kiwis captain missed the last match against Canada and has been suffering from illness. New Zealand remain one of the title contenders but will have to go through a tough knockout phase.

Huge Mitchell San tner Boost For New Zealand

Santner has been pivotal to New Zealand's plans and his return will be a massive boost for the Black Caps, who are eyeing their first ICC title since winning the World Test Championship. They have relocated to Sri Lanka and will play all of their Super 8s fixtures in the island nation.

Lockie Ferguson's availability has been uncertain. The New Zealand fast bowler was granted permission to travel back to the country for the birth of his first child and returned on Friday. The management will likely take a decision on match day.

New Zealand Set To Play All Super 8s Matches At R Premadasa Stadium

New Zealand's main concern has been their bowling. They have conceded 150+ runs in all the matches in the T20 World Cup so far. But the change of the venue might help them to alter their plans. They will play all their matches at R Premadasa Stadium and the slow nature of the surface will help the likes of Mitchell Santner. But New Zealand will have to rack up their team with more spinners apart from part-time bowlers Glenn Phillips and rachin Ravindra. Chapman admitted they will take one match at a time and insisted playing all games at one venue could be an added advantage.

"When you play in these tournaments, one of the challenges is hopping from venue to venue and adapting. Playing all three games here, we'll learn each game as we go."

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