T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 Match Abandoned Due To Rain In Colombo, Points Shared
Rain brought the highly anticipated Super 8 encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand to a premature end on Saturday, with the T20 World Cup 2026 match at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium abandoned without a single ball being bowled.
The inclement weather disrupted proceedings right from the toss, which Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha had won and opted to bat first. But the drizzle that set in at that moment only intensified as the day progressed, leaving officials with no choice but to call off the match entirely.
As per tournament rules, both Pakistan and New Zealand walk away with one point apiece from the washout an outcome that carries significant weight in what is now a tighter Group race for the remaining semi-final berths.
The forecast had offered little hope well before play was scheduled to begin. Dark clouds loomed over the stadium for hours, and only a sparse crowd had made their way in, hoping conditions might relent. They never did.
Ahead of what would have been the contest, Pakistan retained Babar Azam despite his modest recent returns, while Shaheen Afridi remained out of the side. New Zealand, on the other hand, made three changes to their lineup, with captain Mitchell Santner returning to the XI. Beyond those team announcements at the toss, there was no further action on the day.
The two sides now turn their attention to separate fixtures. Pakistan remain in Colombo to face England on February 24, while New Zealand make a short trip within the city to take on hosts Sri Lanka on February 25. With the washout leaving both teams in a tighter spot in the Super Eights standings, the pressure is firmly on in their remaining two matches apiece.