Rain Washout: Pakistan-New Zealand Super Eights Opener Abandoned at T20 Cricket World Cup

The Pakistan versus New Zealand Super Eights opener at the T20 Cricket World Cup was abandoned without a ball being bowled after persistent rain in Colombo, leaving both sides with one point each and raising fresh questions about Pakistan's path through the second phase.

T20 Cricket World Cup Super Eights: match index and venue

This was scheduled as the 41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N), at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium on February 21, 2026, part of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup second phase.

How events unfolded at R Premadasa Stadium

The rain began at the ground as soon as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat. Post-toss interviews were completed, but with the forecast suggesting the game would be in doubt, both teams quickly ran for cover.

More than 60 ground staff were on hand to cover the square and the majority of the playing surface. Despite those efforts, persistent rain prevented play from starting.

Timing, cut-offs and the eventual call

Umpires called 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, meaning the contest could not proceed under tournament minimums and each team was awarded one point.

Immediate implications for Pakistan and New Zealand

The washout denied both teams a chance to begin their Super Eights campaigns on the field. The abandonment has prompted questions about how the outcome will affect Pakistan's progression and semifinal prospects, with observers asking what the washout against New Zealand means for Pakistan's wider ambitions in the tournament.

What comes next in the tournament schedule

• Tournament co-host India plays South Africa in Ahmedabad in the first Group 1 match on Sunday.
• Co-host Sri Lanka and England meet in Group 2 in Pallekele on Sunday.

Defending champions and co-hosts India face debut-title chasing South Africa in a rematch of the last T20 World Cup final.

Context and wider coverage ahead of the Super Eights

There is a guide available to the next phase of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 taking place in India and Sri Lanka. Recent coverage has also noted that Pakistan briefly refused to play India at the Cricket World Cup, and that the high-stakes match between those sides is now back on the schedule. The 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup has been described as boasting the game's greatest names, and a top-five list of players has been highlighted in recent coverage.

Details from Colombo remain definitive: the toss was won by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, the post-toss interviews concluded, in excess of 60 ground staff worked to protect the playing area, umpires abandoned the contest at 9: 05pm local time (15: 35 GMT), and the 10: 16 pm (16: 46 GMT) cut-off meant not even a five-over match could be completed. Both Pakistan and New Zealand leave Colombo with one point each as the Super Eights progress.

Uncertainties remain where the washout may influence Group 2 dynamics; those developments will depend on results in the coming fixtures in Ahmedabad and Pallekele.