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Rain Washes Out T20 WC Super 8 Clash Between New Zealand and Pakistan

The crucial Super 8 match between New Zealand and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 was abandoned due to persistent rain in Colombo. Not a single ball was bowled after the toss was conducted on time. Both teams were awarded one point each from the washed-out fixture. Pakistan's next match is against England, while New Zealand will face co-hosts Sri Lanka.

Key Points: NZ vs Pak T20 WC Match Abandoned Due to Rain in Colombo

  • Match abandoned without a ball bowled
  • Both teams share one point each
  • Persistent rain in Colombo disrupts play
  • Pakistan had won toss and elected to bat
2 min read

T20 WC: New Zealand vs Pakistan Super 8s match abandoned due to rain, both teams share a point each

The T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match between New Zealand and Pakistan was called off without a ball bowled due to persistent rain, with both teams taking a point.

"We have to play our A game and that is what we look forward to today, - Salman Ali Agha"

Colombo, February 21

The first Super 8s match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, between New Zealand and Pakistan, got abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Colombo. Both the New Zealand and Pakistan teams shared a point each.

While the toss for the Pakistan vs New Zealand team took place on time, at 6:30 PM IST, it started drizzling shortly after at the venue. It continued raining, and at around 9:07 PM IST, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha shook hands as both teams received a point each.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first. He announced one change in the playing 11 for the match that eventually got abandoned. Pakistan brought in Fakhar Zaman while Khawaja Nafay missed out.

"We have one change. Fakhar is playing and Nafay is not playing. We have one pacer, Faheem Ashraf - he is a good all-rounder. So we have 2 pacers and lot of spin options. They are a quality side, we know that. We have to play our A game and that is what we look forward to today," Salman Ali Agha said at toss.

New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 WC 2026 Super 8 match playing 11s:

New Zealand: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

Pakistan are slated to face England in their next Super 8s match, on February 24 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. New Zealand, on the other hand, are set to play against co-hosts Sri Lanka at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium on February 25.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From a neutral perspective, this is a fair outcome given the weather. A point each keeps the group interesting. New Zealand will be more relieved, I think. Better to have a reserve day for these crucial matches, ICC should consider it.
A
Arjun K
Yaar, what a waste! All the hype and build-up for nothing. At least the toss happened. Interesting that Fakhar Zaman was back in the XI. Hope the weather clears up for the India match later in the week. Monsoon planning needs to be better for future tournaments.
P
Priyanka N
Feel bad for the fans at the stadium who paid for tickets. The organizers should have some contingency for refunds or vouchers for future games. Cricket is becoming too dependent on luck with the weather.
M
Michael C
As an NZ supporter, I'll take the point. Our net run rate stays safe. But honestly, it's frustrating for everyone – players, coaches, and fans. The schedule is so tight, these washouts really mess with the momentum of a tournament.
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Kavya N
This actually makes Group 2 very tricky now. Pakistan's path to the semis just got harder. They really need to beat England. On the other hand, New Zealand can afford a loss maybe. The rain has thrown the calculations off! 🌧️

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