Bbc Cricket: Heavy Rain Halts New Zealand v Pakistan Super Eight in Colombo
Rain forced play to be suspended in the 41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N) at Colombo (RPS) on February 21, 2026, leaving New Zealand and Pakistan waiting under covers as officials assessed conditions — a pause noted in cricket coverage as puddles formed and the stadium warned of a delayed start.
Cricket: Covers pooled with heavy droplets, big screen orders delay
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. The stadium big screen displayed the message "start of play delayed because of rain, " and later flashed a plea to the weather: "Rain, rain, go away. " Organizers signalled there was no news from Colombo at present — bar the fact it still appeared to be raining — and coverage remained fully focused on Colombo, so if play did resume it was not expected for a while.
Captains shake hands as TV cameras cut to the tunnel
Television cameras suddenly cut to New Zealand captain Mitch Santner and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha shaking hands in the tunnel, with Santner giving a thumbs up to the few viewers that had clung on. The two sides have played each other a fair bit in the last two years, with the Black Caps holding the edge, ever so slightly.
Santner at the toss: conditions, spinners and a Chennai arrival
Speaking at the toss, New Zealand captain Mitch Santner 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. " Umpires were expected to make a call on play once conditions eased.
England's Super Eight opener and off-field developments
Coverage noted that England's opening Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka is scheduled for tomorrow in Pallekele at 09: 30 GMT (4: 30 a. m. ET). England captain Harry Brook spoke to the press ahead of that match and said it would be "a shame" if Pakistan players were excluded from taking part in The Hundred this year. 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.
Pakistan players are not being considered by the four Indian-owned sides for the auction, which will take place on 11 and 12 March. Matthew Henry has prepared a preview of England's first Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka in Pallekele at 09: 30 GMT tomorrow for those seeking more reading while play is delayed.
Waiting for the umpires and what fans were asked to do
While umpires weighed up whether play could start, broadcasters encouraged viewers to stay tuned and even offered an interactive game for fans: pick an international team and guess on which metric your side's players beat another player from around the world. they would bring up any updates as and when they became available, and the immediate next confirmed event remains England v Sri Lanka at 09: 30 GMT (4: 30 a. m. ET) in Pallekele tomorrow.
Umpires will decide when the match in Colombo can resume; in the meantime the rain and puddled covers continue to dominate the scene.
