Kamal Ghorui
Photo/TimesofIndia.com
NEW DELHI: The first match of the Super Eight stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was abandoned on Saturday after continuous rain prevented any play between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.Officials called off the game after conditions failed to improve enough for a start, meaning the Super Eight phase began without a ball being bowled. Both teams shared one point each, which could affect their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
The playing conditions of this tournament for the International Cricket Council (ICC) require a minimum of five overs per side for a result to be declared. The cut-off time for a shortened contest was set at 10:15pm, but the weather never cleared. With no reserve days in the Super Eights – they are only available for the semifinals and final – the fixture was abandoned and ‘no result’ was marked against it. Pakistan had won the toss and chosen to bat first amid light drizzle, but the rain soon became heavier, forcing the match to be abandoned.Before the washout, Pakistan made one change, bringing in Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaja Nafay.New Zealand made three changes, with captain Mitchell Santner returning after missing the previous match against Canada due to a stomach issue, while Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi were also included in the playing XI.The abandoned match has tightened the situation for both teams ahead of their remaining two Super Eight fixtures. Another washout or a defeat could seriously affect their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Pakistan, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka are placed in Group 2 of the Super Eight stage. Pakistan will next play England in their next Super Eight match on February 24, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.New Zealand will remain in Colombo to play the Sri Lanka on February 25.
