T20 Cricket World Cup: Rain Forces Delay to 41st Match as New Zealand and Pakistan Meet in Colombo
The 41st Match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Super Eights Group 2, scheduled for February 21, 2026, in Colombo, was delayed by persistent rain, leaving significant puddles on the outfield covers and the stadium big screen declaring the "start of play delayed because of rain. " The interruption left captains Mitch Santner and Salman Ali Agha meeting in the tunnel and offering a thumbs-up to the few viewers who had remained at the venue.
T20 Cricket World Cup: Colombo conditions and match status
Play at the RPS venue in Colombo was unable to start because heavy showers left covers with visible big droplets and significant puddles. The outfield remained fully covered, and stadium displays carried messages including "Rain, rain, go away, " underscoring the extent of the downpour. With the covers wet and conditions judged unplayable, the umpires delayed any decision on whether action could take place that day.
Mitch Santner and Salman Ali Agha in the tunnel
Television cameras captured New Zealand captain Mitch Santner and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha meeting in the players' tunnel; both men shook hands and gave a thumbs-up gesture to the small number of spectators who had stayed. Broadcasters noted that only a few viewers had clung on at the ground as the rain continued to fall.
Match context: Super Eights, Group 2 and recent form
The fixture formed part of the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Commentators noted New Zealand and Pakistan have met regularly over the past two years, with the Black Caps holding the edge in recent meetings, albeit narrowly. New Zealand's captain spoke at the toss before the delay, saying: "We came here from Chennai. It could be a little bit different here. But we know what the conditions will be. We know what challenge Pakistan will bring. It should be entertaining. They've got some very good spinners. We know that. "
England's upcoming Super Eight fixture and Harry Brook's remarks
Attention across the tournament also turned to England, who were due to open their Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka in Pallekele the following day at 09: 30 GMT. England captain Harry Brook spoke to the press ahead of that match, saying it would be "a shame" if Pakistan players were excluded from playing in The Hundred this year.
The Hundred auction and Sunrisers Leeds signing
On the domestic front, Pakistan players are not being considered by the four Indian-owned sides for the forthcoming auction, which will take place on 11 and 12 March. Separately, Yorkshire batter Harry Brook has been signed by the Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds—previously known as Northern Superchargers—and will be the tournament's highest-paid player after receiving a fee of £465, 000.
While broadcasters and on‑site staff awaited a ruling from the umpires, coverage noted there was no substantive news from Colombo beyond the ongoing rain. Updates were promised if conditions changed and play became possible.
What makes this notable is the concentration of high-profile activity on the same day: a Super Eight match delayed by weather at Colombo's RPS, England preparing to open their Super Eight campaign in Pallekele at 09: 30 GMT the next morning, and off-field player-market movements tied to the auction on 11 and 12 March. The timing matters because the weather interruption in Colombo could affect scheduling and momentum for teams advancing through this stage of the tournament.
