T20 Cricket World Cup: Rain halts New Zealand vs Pakistan in Colombo
The Super Eights meeting between New Zealand and Pakistan in Colombo on February 21, 2026, was held up by heavy rain, delaying the contest in the t20 cricket world cup and leaving the fixture in limbo as umpires considered the conditions.
T20 Cricket World Cup match details and the delay
The game was listed as the 41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N), Colombo (RPS) in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup schedule for February 21, 2026. The stadium big screen displayed a clear message: "start of play delayed because of rain. " Significant puddles had formed on the covers on the outfield, with big droplets visible on their surface, and it was still coming down pretty heavily in Colombo.
Captains meet as TV cameras cut to the tunnel
TV cameras suddenly cut to New Zealand captain Mitch Santner and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha shaking hands in the tunnel and giving a thumbs up to the few viewers that had clung on. Santner had spoken at the toss earlier: "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. "
Outfield and scoreboard: "Rain, rain, go away"
The live coverage noted the outfield covers were still fully on in Colombo, and that if any play were possible it "certainly won't be for a while. " A message on the stadium's big screen read: "Rain, rain, go away. " Broad coverage continued to promise updates as and when they were available; at the moment there was no news from Colombo beyond persistent rain.
What commentators and previews were saying
While waiting for a call from the umpires, viewers were directed to a preview of England's first Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka by Matthew Henry. The preview and the live feed both noted that New Zealand and Pakistan "have played a fair bit in the last two years, with the Black Caps holding the edge, ever so slightly. "
Off-field headlines: Brook, The Hundred and the auction
England captain Harry Brook, speaking to the press before England's clash with Sri Lanka, said it would be "a shame" if Pakistan players were excluded from playing in The Hundred this year. The context states that Pakistan players are not being considered by the four Indian-owned sides for the auction, which will take place on 11 and 12 March. Yorkshire batter Brook has already been signed by 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.
Fan engagement and lingering questions
Coverage invited viewers to try a new interactive game — "Pick your international team, guess on which metric your side's players beat another player from around the world" — while play remained suspended. A separate headline raised a broader question: "T20 World Cup Semifinals Dreams In Trouble? What Washout Against New Zealand Means For Pakistan. " Whether the match would be lost to the weather or resumed remained unclear in the provided context.
Tomorrow's confirmed fixture is England's opening Super Eight game against Sri Lanka in Pallekele at 09: 30 GMT; coverage said it would return then, hoping for better weather. The auction mentioned for player selection is scheduled for 11 and 12 March.
