The much-anticipated start to the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was marred by persistent rain on Saturday, leading to the abandonment of the opening fixture between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to set a strong foundation in what promised to be a thrilling encounter. However, the skies opened up shortly after, forcing the ground staff to bring on the covers. Despite multiple inspections by the umpires, the outfield remained waterlogged, and no play was possible. As a result, the match was officially called off without a single ball being bowled, with both teams awarded one point each.
This no-result leaves Pakistan and New Zealand tied at the top of Group 2 standings early in the Super Eight phase. Group 2 also includes powerhouse England and co-hosts Sri Lanka, with all matches in this group scheduled to take place on Sri Lankan soil. The weather disruption highlights the challenges of hosting cricket during the island nation’s monsoon season, a point of contention among fans and experts alike.
For Pakistan, who have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency in the group stages, the shared point could prove valuable as they prepare for tougher tests ahead. New Zealand, known for their adaptability in limited-overs cricket, will also look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
The Super Eight stage features the top eight teams from the initial group phase battling for semifinal spots, with high-stakes matches set to unfold across co-hosts India and Sri Lanka. Fans will now turn their attention to the next Group 2 clash, hoping for clearer skies and uninterrupted action.
As the tournament progresses, weather forecasts will be closely monitored, especially in Colombo, where rain has historically played spoilsport in international fixtures.
