T20 World Cup: Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 clash washed out without a bowl bowled

Sports Tak

UPDATED: Feb 21, 2026 09:40 PM IST

Sports Tak•

UPDATED: Feb 21, 2026 09:40 PM IST

Pakistan's captain Salman Agha (R) shakes hands with New Zealand's skipper Mitchell Santner in frame. (Getty)

Story Highlights:

Pakistan vs New Zealand match was called off due to persistent rain

The abandoned match means both Pakistan and New Zealand will get a point each

Rain remained the ultimate party pooper in the opening T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo on February 21. With the match being washed out without a bowl being bowled, both Pakistan and New Zealand will get a point each. The washed out game have potentially left both the teams in a must-win scenario for remainder of the two Super 8 matches.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 clash called off

In a departure from the typical strategy of bowling first under the threat of rain, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat after winning the toss, handing the ball to Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand. Regarding team composition, Pakistan made a single change to their starting lineup, while Santner revealed that the Black Caps have opted for three adjustments to their side.

ALSO READ: Only 4 India players turned up for practice ahead of key Super 8 clash vs South Africa, know why

But little did they know that rain god has other plan in place for the match.

Rain god has the final laugh in PAK vs NZ match

Spectators arriving at the R. Premadasa Stadium were initially met with the sight of a field under covers following afternoon showers. However, conditions appeared to improve just enough for the toss to take place on schedule. Pakistan won the flip and elected to bat, but the optimism was short-lived as the rain returned before a single ball could be bowled. Ultimately, the umpires were forced to call off the game just over two hours after the scheduled start time, leaving both sides to settle for a single point from the No Result.

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The abandonment highlights the ongoing struggle with the elements in the Sri Lankan capital. Rain previously blighted several fixtures during the Women's World Cup held in Colombo this past October, coinciding with the island's monsoon season. During that tournament, seven out of the 11 matches hosted at the venue were disrupted by the weather. This marks only the second abandoned match of the current 2026 T20 World Cup, following the washout between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele earlier this week.

Both New Zealand and Pakistan entered the Super 8 stage after finishing second in their respective groups. Each side managed three victories during the opening round, with their only losses coming against their pool winners—South Africa for the Black Caps and India for Pakistan. With this split point, the race for the semifinals becomes even tighter as the teams prepare for their remaining fixtures.

The tournament is set to resume on Sunday with a double-header: England will take on hosts Sri Lanka in Pallekele, followed by the heavyweight clash between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad. Pakistan will be hoping for clearer skies when they face England, while New Zealand is scheduled to continue their campaign against Sri Lanka in Colombo.