New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 WC Super 8: NZ, PAK share the spoils as match gets abandoned due to rain
Persistent rain has resulted in the match getting abandoned due to rain at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams get 1 point each in the table.
 "NZ vs PAK called off due to rain in Colombo")
NZ vs PAK called off due to rain in Colombo
The Super 8 clash between New Zealand and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ended in disappointment as persistent rain forced the match to be abandoned, with both teams sharing a point each in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Anticipation was high ahead of the contest, with Pakistan captain Salman Agha winning the toss and opting to bat first. Both sides had announced strong playing XIs, and the atmosphere was electric as fans awaited the start of what promised to be a crucial encounter in the Super 8 stage. However, light showers began around toss time, and the covers were quickly brought back on.
Despite brief hopes of improvement, the drizzle intensified into steady rain, leaving the entire outfield under covers. Overs began to be reduced from 8:10 PM, and officials confirmed 10:16 PM as the cut-off time for a five-over-a-side contest. Around 2,000 fans remained in the stands, holding onto hope as players stayed indoors, passing time in their dressing rooms.
Weather forecasts painted a grim picture, with heavier showers predicted through the night. With no reserve day allocated for Super 8 fixtures, the umpires eventually called off the match as conditions failed to improve.
The washout means both New Zealand and Pakistan take one point each, making their remaining two Super 8 matches crucial in the race for a semifinal berth. What was expected to be a thrilling start to the business end of the tournament instead became a frustrating evening dominated entirely by the rain.
New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Playing 11
New Zealand playing 11: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Pakistan playing 11: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
9:12 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Match abandoned due to rain!
The match has been finally abandoned due to rain as the rain continues to pour down in Colombo, washing away the fans' hopes on the night. 1 point each for New Zealand and Pakistan now as they will be looking forward to do well in their remaining two games now in the Super 8.
9:07 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Fans losing hope now!
The live visuals show no improvement in the weather, with rain continuing steadily over the venue. The covers remain firmly in place across the ground, while players pass the time inside the dressing room, engaged in conversation. A small group of supporters are still seated in the stands, holding on in hope, but as the downpour persists, optimism appears to be slowly slipping away.
8:51 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Showers continue!
Conditions remain unchanged as steady rain continues to pour down with the same intensity. Spectators are still waiting patiently in the stands, but the radar indicates more showers approaching the city. Water has accumulated heavily on the covers, and overs have already started being reduced from 8:10 pm onward. At this stage, the prospects of play getting underway appear increasingly unlikely.
8:45 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Pakistan's group!
Pakistan are part of the Super 8 group including New Zealand, co-hosts Sri Lanka and England and would have a tough task of winning their remainign 2 matches if they are to make sure they don't lose out on a semis spot. Same goes for the Kiwis if points are shared tonight.
8:28 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: No positive update!
The rain hasn;t stopped till now as the players hope for atleast a 5-over contest on the night that has to start before 10:16 PM tonight.
8:11 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Cut off time confirmed!
The cut off time for a 5-over game has been confirmed as 10:16 PM local time with around 2 hours for a game to begin on the night. If the rain persists, then the match could be called off around 9 as well, with the ground staff needing some time to dry the outfield as well.
7:59 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Fans still hopeful!
Around 2000 fans are still not going away from the venue and have stayed put for now with hopes still there for a resumption on the night in their minds.
7:52 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Is there a reserve day?
Unfortunately, there is no reserve day for the Super 8 matches and if the match is washed off, then both sides will be awarded 1 point each on the night.
7:42 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Heavier showers ahead?
The weather forecast suggests that the light shower will persist for now but we are expected to have heavier spells of rain in the coming hours now indicating that the match is well and truly heading towards a wash out.
7:38 PM
New Zealand vs Pakistan LIVE WEATHER UPDATES T20 WC Super 8: Rain curtailed tie expected!
We are on our way to get a rain curtailed tie on the night as the overs will start to reduce from 8:10 PM onwards with the cut off time for a 5-over time likley to be around 10:15 PM.
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First Published: Feb 21 2026 | 5:58 PM IST