The much-awaited Super Eight match between Pakistan and New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was abandoned due to heavy rain at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Not a single delivery was bowled, and both teams had to settle for one point each.
Earlier, Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bat first. Fans were excited as both teams came into the game with strong form. Each side had won three out of four matches in the group stage, finishing second in their respective groups.
The head-to-head record between Pakistan and New Zealand has always been close. Out of 49 T20 internationals, Pakistan have won 24 matches, while New Zealand have secured 23 victories. In T20 World Cups, Pakistan lead 5-2 in seven meetings, including a comfortable win in the 2022 semi-final.
The playing XIs were announced before rain took control.
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Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha c, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan wk, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert wk, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner c, Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson.
The abandoned match leaves the Super Eight group wide open. Both teams miss the chance to gain two crucial points. Now, every remaining game becomes even more important.
Rain has changed the mood of the tournament. A match that promised fireworks ended in silence. In short tournaments like this, even one washed-out game can change everything. The real pressure now begins in the next matches.
