The Super Eights opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at the 2026 T20 World Cup was abandoned due to persistent rain in Colombo. The match, scheduled at R Premadasa Stadium, was called off without a ball being bowled after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first on Saturday. Despite efforts by more than 60 ground staff to protect the playing surface, the umpires officially abandoned the Group 2 match at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).
The rain began immediately after the toss, and with forecasts predicting continued showers, both teams were forced to leave the field. Even a shortened five-over contest was not possible before the 10:16pm (16:46 GMT) cut-off time. As a result, both Pakistan and New Zealand were awarded one point each in the standings.
The tournament continues on Sunday, with co-host India facing South Africa in Ahmedabad for the first Group 1 match, while co-host Sri Lanka meets England in Group 2 action at Pallekele.
Share Pakistan and New Zealand’s Super Eights match to open the second phase of the 2026 T20 World Cup was abandoned because of rain without a ball being bowled. The rain started at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium as soon as Pakistan captain Salman Ali
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