T20 Cricket World Cup: Pakistan-New Zealand Super Eights opener abandoned in Colombo
Persistent rain in Colombo forced the abandonment of Pakistan’s Super Eights opener with New Zealand at R Premadasa Stadium, halting the start of the second phase of the 2026 tournament and affecting the wider t20 cricket world cup schedule. The Group 2 match was called off without a ball being bowled, leaving both teams with one point each.
T20 Cricket World Cup rain impact
Pakistan and New Zealand’s Super Eights match, set to open the second phase of the 2026 T20 World Cup, never reached play because of persistent rain in Colombo. The rain began as soon as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first on Saturday, and the game could not proceed.
Toss, interviews and early rain
As soon as Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat, post-toss interviews were completed. With the forecast suggesting the game would be in doubt, there was little surprise when the teams ran for cover shortly after those interviews concluded.
Ground staff and covers used
More than 60 ground staff were on hand to cover the square and the majority of the playing surface at R Premadasa Stadium. Despite the large crew working to protect the pitch and outfield, the persistent downpour prevented play from starting.
Umpires call match off
The persistent rain eventually led to the umpires calling the Group 2 match off at 9: 05pm local time (15: 35 GMT). Not even a five-over match was possible by the 10: 16 pm (16: 46 GMT) cut-off time, giving the two teams one point each when the fixture was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Group fixtures and wider schedule
The washout in Colombo arrives as tournament co-host India plays South Africa in Ahmedabad in the first Group 1 match on Sunday, while co-host Sri Lanka and England meet in Group 2 in Pallekele. The context of those fixtures includes the note that defending champions and co-hosts India face debut-title chasing South Africa in a rematch of the last T20 World Cup final.
Additional context carried with the coverage includes Al Jazeera’s guide to the next phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The report also notes that Pakistan briefly refused to play India at the Cricket World Cup and that the high-stakes match is now back on. It adds that the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup boasts the game’s greatest names and that Al Jazeera Sport picks its top five.
The abandonment left both Pakistan and New Zealand with a single point from the opening Super Eights fixture and moves the tournament on to the scheduled matches in Ahmedabad and Pallekele.
