Bbc Cricket: Rain Stops New Zealand v Pakistan Super Eights Match in Colombo

The cricket feed showed play suspended at the Super Eights Group 2 fixture in Colombo after heavy rain left significant puddles on the outfield covers, the start of the match delayed while officials assess conditions.

Cricket: Covers see large puddles, start delayed

Stadium staff kept the outfield fully covered as big droplets collected on the covers' surface. The stadium big screen displayed the message "start of play delayed because of rain, " and later flashed the plea "Rain, rain, go away. " Organisers said the outfield remained fully covered in Colombo, so if play does resume it will not be for a while.

Santner and Salman Ali Agha meet in the tunnel

TV cameras cut to New Zealand captain Mitch Santner and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha shaking hands in the tunnel; Santner gave a thumbs up to the few viewers who had stayed. Santner, speaking at the toss earlier, 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 two sides have met several times in the last two years, with the Black Caps holding the edge, ever so slightly.

Brook raises Pakistan Hundred issue; auction dates set

England captain Harry Brook, speaking to the press ahead of his side's Super Eight clash with Sri Lanka tomorrow, said it would be "a shame" if Pakistan players were excluded from playing in The Hundred this year. Sources have told Sport 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. Brook, the Yorkshire batter, has already 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.

What fans heard and what else is lined up

No news from Colombo at present - bar the fact it still appears to be raining. The coverage encouraged readers to try a new interactive game while waiting: "Pick your international team, guess on which metric your side's players beat another player from around the world. " Organisers said they will bring up any updates as and when they have them.

England v Sri Lanka scheduled for 09: 30 GMT in Pallekele

Broadcasters noted they will return tomorrow for England's opening Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka, scheduled for 09: 30 GMT in Pallekele, and expressed hope for better weather. Matthew Henry's preview of England's first Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka was also highlighted for viewers ahead of that match.

Officials and broadcasters said updates will follow as conditions change in Colombo; the confirmed next match on the schedule is England's Super Eight opener against Sri Lanka at 09: 30 GMT in Pallekele.