ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan-New Zealand Super 8 match washed out due to rain; what will be the impact on the semi-final race?
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: The first Super 8 match between Pakistan and New Zealand was washed out due to rain. Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and elected to bowl at 6:30 pm on Saturday. However, rain came before the match could begin.
After waiting for about two and a half hours, the match referee decided to cancel it. Both teams were awarded one point each. This is the second match to be cancelled in this tournament. Previously, the match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was also abandoned.
The match referee waited for nearly two and a half hours, but the rain at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium persisted. Ultimately, the decision was made to abandon the match.
Pakistan and New Zealand have received one point each after the first Super 8 match was abandoned. From here, both teams must win both of their remaining matches to advance to the semi-finals. Both teams will play against England and Sri Lanka. Given the weather in Sri Lanka, a further cancellation or a loss could close the door on the semifinals.
Pakistan will now play England on February 24th. New Zealand will play Sri Lanka on February 25th.