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T20 World Cup: Rain Threatens Pakistan vs New Zealand Super Eights Clash

Heavy drizzle in Colombo has delayed the start of the crucial T20 World Cup Super Eights match between Pakistan and New Zealand immediately after the toss. The match requires a minimum of five overs per side to achieve a result, with no reserve day available in the Super Eights stage. A washout would force both teams to share points, potentially damaging their semi-final prospects in a competitive group. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, with both sides making strategic changes to their playing elevens.

Key Points: Pakistan vs NZ T20 WC Match Under Washout Threat in Colombo

  • Rain delays start after toss
  • Minimum 5 overs needed for result
  • No reserve day in Super Eights
  • Shared points could hurt semi-final hopes
2 min read

T20 WC: Washout threat looms large on Pakistan-New Zealand Super Eights clash in Colombo

Heavy rain delays start of Pakistan vs New Zealand Super Eights clash in Colombo, raising washout fears and shared points scenario in T20 World Cup.

"With the threat of washout looming large, the weather may decide the outcome before a ball is bowled. - Match Report"

Colombo, Feb 21

The threat of a washout is looming large on the first Super Eights clash of the Men's T20 World Cup between Pakistan and New Zealand after heavy drizzle forced covers at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo immediately after the toss was held.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first, but the start has been delayed as showers started in a jiffy. With the rain continuing, the loss of overs has begun from 8:10 pm, while the cut-off for a five-over game is at 10:15 pm. If the situation does not improve, the fixture will be abandoned, and both sides will share points.

Forecasts had already raised concerns for a washout, with Accuweather predicting cloudy skies and a high chance of evening showers in Colombo. Persistent rain on Friday forced Pakistan to cancel training, and Saturday's drizzle confirmed fears that the weather could play a decisive role in the tournament's opening Super Eights match.

Under playing conditions by the ICC, a minimum of five overs per side is required for a result in the match. Additionally, there are no reserve days in the Super Eights, with this arrangement only available for the semifinals and final. A washout would dent both teams' hopes of reaching the semi-finals, as shared points could prove costly in a competitive Group 2.

The 2009 champions, Pakistan, made one change to their playing eleven, bringing in Fakhar Zaman for Khawaja Nafay. New Zealand opted for three alterations, with captain Mitchell Santner returning after missing the previous game against Canada due to a stomach issue, while Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi also came back to the playing eleven. With the threat of washout looming large, the weather may decide the outcome before a ball is bowled.

New Zealand have brought back captain Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson into their playing eleven as Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, this is a nightmare scenario for the tournament. Both Pakistan and New Zealand are strong sides, and a washout makes Group 2's calculations messy. Hope they get at least a 5-over thriller!
A
Aditya G
Yaar, this is so typical! Scheduling important matches in Colombo during this season was asking for trouble. The broadcasters must be losing their minds right now with all this dead air time. On the bright side, maybe it helps India if both these teams drop points? Just saying.
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Priyanka N
Feel for the players. All that preparation and nervous energy, and now they're just waiting. Bringing in Fakhar Zaman for a potential rain-shortened game could be a masterstroke if they get to play. He can change the game in a few overs.
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Michael C
While the criticism of scheduling is valid, we must also respect that hosting a global event across multiple countries is complex. The Sri Lankan board would have guaranteed the best conditions. Sometimes, nature just doesn't cooperate. A shared point might be the fairest outcome if play isn't possible.
K
Kavya N
The real losers are the cricket lovers. Was looking forward to this match all day. Now just watching covers on the pitch. At least the commentary panel is trying their best to keep us entertained with old stories! 🤷‍♀️ #RainPereraStadium

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