The opening Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup between New Zealand and Pakistan at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium was abandoned without a single ball bowled due to persistent rain.
Fans arriving at the stadium found the pitch covered after afternoon showers. Conditions briefly improved in time for the toss, which Pakistan won, opting to bat first. However, the rain returned before play could start, and umpires officially called off the game just over two hours after its scheduled start. Both teams were awarded one point each for the no-result.
This is the second match abandoned in this tournament, following the game between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele earlier in the week. Rain has previously affected cricket in Colombo, including seven out of eleven fixtures during the Women’s World Cup held there last October.
Both New Zealand and Pakistan had finished second in their respective groups, with three wins each and one loss — New Zealand losing to South Africa and Pakistan to India.
The tournament continues on Sunday, with England facing Sri Lanka in Pallekele at 09:30 GMT, followed by India vs South Africa in Ahmedabad at 13:30 GMT. Pakistan will next play England on Tuesday, and New Zealand will face Sri Lanka on Wednesday, both matches starting at 13:30 GMT.
