Cricket Scores — New Zealand vs Pakistan delayed by heavy rain in Colombo
Heavy rain in Colombo has halted play in the New Zealand vs Pakistan match, with the covers holding significant puddles and the stadium big screen declaring the "start of play delayed because of rain. " The interruption leaves fans waiting for updates on cricket scores and whether play will resume.
Outfield and covers: puddles, big droplets and a clear delay
Significant puddles have formed on the covers on the outfield, with big droplets visible on their surface, and it is still coming down pretty heavily in Colombo. The stadium big screen is now saying "start of play delayed because of rain, " and a separate message on the screen asks: "Rain, rain, go away. "
TV cut to the tunnel: Mitch Santner and Salman Ali Agha
TV cameras suddenly cut to captains Mitch Santner and Salman Ali Agha shaking hands in the tunnel. Santner gave a thumbs up to the few viewers that have clung on while the weather persists.
Mitch Santner at the toss and recent head-to-heads
New Zealand captain Mitch Santner spoke at the toss, saying: "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 played a fair bit in the last two years, with the Black Caps holding the edge, ever so slightly.
England's Super Eight schedule and Harry Brook's remarks
Coverage notes that England's opening Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka will take place tomorrow in Pallekele at 09: 30 GMT. England captain Harry Brook spoke 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. 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.
Cricket Scores and live coverage updates from Colombo
No news from Colombo at present beyond the fact it still appears to be raining; the ground remains fully covered so if there is any play it certainly won't be for a while. It is still raining in Colombo, and updates will be brought up as and when they become available. While waiting for a call from the umpires, viewers were invited to try a new interactive game that asks fans to pick an international team and guess on which metric their side's players beat another player from around the world.
