Rain Wins as Pakistan–New Zealand Super Eights Opener Ends Without a Ball Bowled

Colombo, Feb 2026 : The much-anticipated opening match of the Super Eights stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ended in disappointment on Saturday as relentless rain forced the abandonment of the contest between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium. With persistent showers refusing to ease, not a single ball could be bowled, and the teams were left to share a point each.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to take advantage of conditions early in the evening. However, moments after the toss, light drizzle began to fall over the stadium. Ground staff quickly rushed in with covers, but the rain soon intensified, leading to water accumulation on the square and surrounding areas. Despite repeated inspections and extended waiting periods, conditions never improved enough to allow play to begin.

Tournament regulations laid down by the International Cricket Council require a minimum of five overs per side for a match to constitute a result. The cut-off time for starting a reduced contest was set at 11:10 pm local time. Unfortunately for players and fans alike, the rain showed no sign of relenting as the evening wore on. With no reserve day allocated for Super Eights fixtures — unlike the semifinals and final — match officials were left with no option but to abandon the game.

The washout did not come entirely as a surprise. Weather forecasts in the days leading up to the match had predicted cloudy skies and a strong likelihood of evening showers in Colombo. Pakistan had already cancelled their training session on Friday due to rain, while New Zealand had adjusted their preparations anticipating weather interruptions. Saturday’s persistent downpour only confirmed fears that rain could play a disruptive role in the Super Eights phase.

The abandoned match leaves both teams with one point in Group 2, a result that could significantly influence the race for semifinal qualification. With England and Sri Lanka also placed in the same group, every point is expected to be crucial. In such a competitive pool, shared points from a washout may prove costly, especially if other matches produce clear results.

In terms of team selections, Pakistan had made one change to their playing eleven, bringing in Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaja Nafay to add experience and depth to the batting line-up. New Zealand, on the other hand, opted for three changes. Captain Mitchell Santner returned after missing the previous match against Canada due to illness, while fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi were also recalled to bolster the bowling attack on what was expected to be a slow surface.

Both sides will now look ahead to their remaining group fixtures with renewed focus. Pakistan are set to face England in two crucial encounters on February 24 and February 28, matches that are likely to define their semifinal prospects. New Zealand, meanwhile, will take on Sri Lanka on February 25 before meeting England on February 27 in what could be a decisive clash.

For fans who had packed the stands and millions watching worldwide, the abandonment was a frustrating outcome. The Super Eights stage was expected to deliver high-intensity cricket from the very start, but instead, the opening contest served as a reminder of how unpredictable weather can shape the course of major tournaments. As the competition progresses, teams will hope for clearer skies and uninterrupted cricket in the days ahead.