Bbc Cricket: bbc cricket — 41st Match Super Eights washout in Colombo
cricket coverage of the 41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N), Colombo (RPS), February 21, 2026, ICC Men's T20 World Cup was dominated by rain as officials delayed the start of play. TV cameras cut to captains Mitch Santner and Salman Ali Agha shaking hands in the tunnel, with Santner giving a thumbs up to the few viewers who had stayed.
Cricket coverage notes
Significant puddles formed on the covers on the outfield, with big droplets visible on their surface, and it was still coming down pretty heavily in Colombo. The stadium big screen was displaying the message "start of play delayed because of rain, " and later showed the plea: "Rain, rain, go away. " A commentator noted: "We've still fully covered in Colombo, so if we do get any play it certainly won't be for a while. "
Captains meet in the tunnel
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. "
Weather, outfield and match status
It was still raining in Colombo, with reports stating there was no news from Colombo at present — bar the fact it still appears to be raining. The live coverage team said they would bring up any updates as and when they have them while waiting for a call from the umpires. The sequence on air included the rain updates, the big-screen messages, and the repeated reminder that play would be delayed.
England schedule and commentary
Broadcasters said they would be back tomorrow for England's opening Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka at 09: 30 GMT in Pallekele, hoping for better weather. Matthew Henry's preview of England's first Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka was mentioned for readers ahead of that match, again noting the 09: 30 GMT start in Pallekele. England captain Harry Brook was speaking to the press before his side's clash with Sri Lanka tomorrow and said it would be "a shame" if Pakistan players were excluded from playing in The Hundred this year.
Auction, The Hundred and player notes
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. 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. A promotion on air invited viewers to try a new game: "Pick your international team, guess on which metric your side's players beat another player from around the world. "
Commentators noted the recent head-to-head: "These two have played a fair bit in the last two years, with the Black Caps holding the edge, ever so slightly. " With play delayed, the immediate status remained a rain-interrupted washout, and broadcasters reiterated that they would return with updates if circumstances changed.
Match details: 41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N), Colombo (RPS), February 21, 2026, ICC Men's T20 World Cup. No further play was reported on the day; the coverage ended with the captains' handshake and the promise of more information when available.
