Bbc Cricket: bbc cricket - New Zealand vs Pakistan washout in 41st Match, Super Eights (Group 2), Colombo (RPS), February 21, 2026
cricket coverage of the 41st Match in the Super Eights (Group 2) at Colombo (RPS) on February 21, 2026 was interrupted by heavy rain, with the stadium big screen declaring that the "start of play delayed because of rain. " Play remains on hold and the match status is unclear as conditions persist.
Match details and status
The fixture is the 41st Match in the Super Eights phase, Group 2 (N), of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and was scheduled in Colombo (RPS) on February 21, 2026. Significant puddles have formed on the covers on the outfield, with big droplets visible on their surface; it is still coming down pretty heavily in Colombo. The stadium big screen is now saying "start of play delayed because of rain. " We've still fully covered in Colombo, so if we do get any play it certainly won't be for a while. No news from Colombo at present - bar the fact it still appears to be raining.
Cricket: conditions in Colombo
Grass covers and the outfield are saturated. A message on the stadium's big screen asks: "Rain, rain, go away. " The broadcast noted that puddles on the covers are significant and big droplets remain visible on the surface, and organisers are waiting for a call from the umpires. It's still raining in Colombo, and updates will be brought up as and when they are available.
Captains, toss and tunnel moment
The TV cameras suddenly cut to captains Mitch Santner and Salman Ali Agha shaking hands in the tunnel, with Santner giving a thumbs up to the few viewers that have clung on. New Zealand captain Mitch Santner speaking at the toss said: "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. " The broadcast also noted that these two teams have played a fair bit in the last two years, with the Black Caps holding the edge, ever so slightly.
England, Sri Lanka and Brook
Broadcasters said they will be back tomorrow for England's opening Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka at 09: 30 GMT in Pallekele — hopefully with better weather. Matthew Henry has a preview of England's first Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled for tomorrow in Pallekele at 09: 30 GMT. Meanwhile England captain Harry Brook has been speaking to the press before his side's clash with Sri Lanka tomorrow; he said it would be "a shame" if Pakistan players were excluded from playing in The Hundred this year.
Auction, signings and player notes
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. While waiting for play to start, broadcasters invited viewers to try a new game: pick your international team and guess on which metric your side's players beat another player from around the world.
Whether Pakistan's T20 World Cup semifinals dreams are in trouble after a washout against New Zealand is unclear in the provided context. For now, the immediate facts are the rain, the soaked covers, the umpires' pending call and captains Mitch Santner and Salman Ali Agha meeting in the tunnel while Santner acknowledged the remaining viewers with a thumbs up.
