Rain Forces Abandonment of Pakistan New Zealand Clash

COLOMBO: (Web Desk) – The crucial Super 8 encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand cricket team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was abandoned due to persistent rain in Colombo on Saturday.

The match, scheduled at R. Premadasa Stadium, could not begin despite multiple inspections by officials as continuous heavy showers left the pitch and outfield unplayable. Ground staff made repeated efforts to prepare the surface, but conditions failed to improve within the designated cut-off time.

With no possibility of play, match officials declared the game a no-result, and both teams were awarded one point each in accordance with tournament regulations.

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Earlier, Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bat first. Captain Salman Ali Agha chose to set a target, expressing confidence in his team’s batting strength on what was expected to be a competitive surface.

Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaja Nafay to bolster the top order with added experience and firepower.

Both sides entered the contest with strong momentum, having secured three wins each in the group stage. Pakistan’s only defeat came against India, while they registered convincing victories over the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia.

Historically, Pakistan have dominated T20 World Cup encounters against New Zealand, winning five of their seven meetings. Their last clash in the tournament was the 2022 semi-final, where Pakistan triumphed by seven wickets. New Zealand’s most recent World Cup win over Pakistan dates back to the 2016 edition.

The washout leaves both teams with shared points as they look ahead to their remaining Super 8 fixtures in the tournament.