Pakistan vs New Zealand Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: PAK vs NZ Super 8 match abandoned due to rain

There is no reserve day for this Super 8 fixture. Both teams will now share one point each — a scenario that could severely dent their semi-final hopes.

It is a disappointing development for both teams, and fans.

That's all, folks! Not the start to the Super 8 weekend anyone would have wanted but for now, New Zealand and Pakistan both are on the board with a point each. We now move on to Super Sunday as a double-header awaits. On the 22nd of February, it will be Sri Lanka taking on England in Pallekele first up. That match will begin at 9.30 am GMT, and the rain watch will be on over there as well, although the forecast doesn't look too bad right now. After that enticing contest, it will be the re-match of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final as India take on South Africa in Ahmedabad. That fascinating contest is scheduled to start at 1.30 pm GMT, but you can tune in to our build-up for both matches a lot sooner. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live: And it's a washout

The first match of the Super Eight stage at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has officially been abandoned. The game between Pakistan and New Zealand will not produce a result after officials called off play following persistent weather disruption.

This means the Super Eight phase begins without a ball bowled in the opening fixture. The decision was confirmed after conditions did not improve enough to allow a start. Both sides will share one point each, which could affect their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

It is a disappointing development for both teams, and fans.

Points shared, but probably points lost as well - It is always frustrating when a game gets washed out due to rain, and when the stakes are so high, it becomes even tougher for everyone involved. But it is what it is and both New Zealand and Pakistan will feel that it is more of two points lost rather than a point gained. This result could have serious implications for this group and the team winning the game between Sri Lanka and England will have a chance to go clear at the top of Group 2.

UPDATE - 3.43 pm GMT - It’s official now - the match has been ABANDONED due to persistent rain in Colombo. Despite a lengthy wait and hopes of squeezing in a shortened contest, the weather never relented enough for play to begin.

UPDATE - 3.30 pm GMT - Rain, rain, please stay away - New Zealand and Pakistan are eager to get going, but Colombo has other ideas at the moment as the wait continues. This is hardly the start the Super 8 stage deserved, with covers firmly in place and players left cooling their heels. There is still a window for a shortened contest if the weather relents, yet the radar and current conditions are not particularly encouraging. As things stand, a washout is creeping closer to reality, a result that would leave both camps frustrated in what is such a crucial phase of the tournament.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live: Rain persists

There is still no change in conditions. Live visuals show rain continuing to fall, with sections of the crowd soaked but remaining in their seats, waiting for play to resume. The wind has strengthened and the rain has become heavier.

Officials have also clarified the cut-off time for a five-overs-a-side match. The latest possible start is now confirmed as 10:15pm local time. That leaves about 90 minutes, which may be tight, considering the time required to prepare the ground if the rain stops.

UPDATE - 3.03 pm GMT - Eagerly waiting for an update? Us too. And unfortunately, it is still all the same. The broadcasters come back live and we can see the rain still falling, with some of the crowd completely drenched but still waiting for something positive to happen. The wind seems to have picked up as well and the rain seems to be a bit heavier, too. All we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. Also, apologies for the confusion regarding the start time of a five-overs-a-side contest. It is now officially confirmed that 4.46 pm GMT is the latest by which that can happen, so we have about an hour and a half, which isn't much time given there will be time needed to get the field ready if and when the rain eventually stops.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live: It's still raining in Colombo

The cut-off time to start a five-overs-per-side game is 10:16 PM IST (4.46 pm GMT).

If play cannot begin by then, the match would be abandoned with no result, which would be a big blow for both teams.

Rain in Colombo is not new, and similar conditions forced Pakistan to cancel a practice session recently. Even today, the drizzle has been persistent, and the forecast does not look very promising. Fans and teams are hoping for a break in the weather so that at least some cricket can be played.

Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first. There are also some interesting team updates. Pakistan have brought back Fakhar Zaman despite concerns over his knee, which surprised many.

UPDATE - 2.33 pm GMT - The broadcasters come back live and visuals show that the rain, albeit less heavy now, is steady. They also mention that the cut-off time for a five-overs-a-side contest is 11.10 pm local time, which is 5.40 pm GMT and not 4.46 pm GMT, which was earlier anticipated. So, it seems like there is an extra hour or so of buffer for the games going forward.

UPDATE - 2.20 pm GMT - The rain is still falling in Colombo and it has been pretty heavy of late as well. The covers are firmly on but with this much amount of rain, the water will definitely seep onto the field as well. Let's hope that the rain relents soon and we can get the Super 8s underway. Stick around for more updates.

Chapman loves playing against Pakistan - As the wait for the rain to stop continues, here's an interesting fact. Mark Chapman has scored 2056 T20I runs (Hong Kong and New Zealand combined) and out of those runs, he's scored 663 runs against Pakistan. That's almost one-third of his entire T20I career runs coming against tonight's opponents.

Pakistan dropped ace left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and demoted star batter Babar Azam against Namibia in a must-win game after facing heavy defeat against India in the T20 World Cup group-stage match, but the team's head coach, Mike Hesson on Friday rejected suggestions that changes were reactions to the heavy loss against India. Hesson said the decisions, including moving Babar Azam down the order and leaving out Shaheen Shah Afridi for the match against Namibia, were made for tactical reasons.

Shaheen conceded 15 runs in his final over, while Babar scored five runs. "No, I wouldn't say that (Shaheen was dropped because of poor performance and Babar pushed down the order because of the loss to India). I think, as I said, (pacer) Salman Mirza deserved his opportunity," said Hesson in a media interaction.

"And Babar was the first to recognise when left-arm spin was taking shape and it was turning that it wasn't a smart move to send out two right handers." Babar did not bat against Namibia as Sahibzada Farhan scored an unbeaten century and carried the innings. "So no, certainly not a paradigm shift, (it was) more about roles," said Hesson, when asked if there was a "paradigm shift" after the defeat to India.

UPDATE - 1.49 pm GMT - Not much to report in terms of any change in the weather. Live visuals indicate a steady drizzle, with the entire ground still covered and not a soul on the field of play right now. However, according to a few sources, it seems like we will start losing overs from 2.40 pm GMT and the latest a five-over-a-side game can start is 4.46 pm GMT, so there is time in hand but the rain needs to stop first for any action to take place.

PAK vs NZ Live Score: Our reporter Pratyush Raj shares updates from the ground

Our reporter Pratyush Raj writes from Colombo: "We’ll start losing overs after 8 PM. The drizzle is light but persistent. Around the same time last evening, it rained in a similar fashion, forcing Pakistan to cancel their practice session. Not looking good so far, with the entire ground under covers.

"A big surprise for Pakistan is the return of Fakhar Zaman to the playing XI despite a niggle in his knees. It will be interesting to see where he bats. But the million-dollar question remains: where will Babar Azam bat?

"New Zealand have also made two changes. Captain Mitchell Santner is back, as is Lockie Ferguson, who became a father a couple of days ago and has returned only on Friday night."

PAK vs NZ Live Score: It is raining in Colombo, and the start of the match has been delayed

PAK vs NZ Live Score: Rain has delayed the start of the Pakistan vs New Zealand match in Colombo, with persistent showers forcing officials to the opening ball. The weather has been a concern throughout the day, and ground staff have kept the covers firmly in place to protect the pitch and outfield. At the moment, players from both teams remain in the dressing rooms as match officials monitor conditions and wait for the rain to ease.

Colombo is known for sudden tropical showers, and such interruptions are common at the venue. A delayed start could lead to a reduced-overs contest if the rain continues, with the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method likely to come into play if overs are lost. Both teams will be eager for the weather to improve, as the match is important for momentum and points in the series/tournament.

Fans are advised to stay tuned for updates on the revised start time and possible changes to playing conditions. The next inspection by umpires will determine whether play can begin soon or if further delays are expected.

Pakistan earlier won the toss and decided to bat first

New Zealand (Playing XI): 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 XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

UPDATE - 1.23 pm GMT - Not a positive update from the RPS in Colombo. The rain has now settled in and the entire ground is under covers. The drainage system is fantastic but former Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis, while having a chat with the broadcasters, reckons that once it settles in, the drizzle doesn't go away easily, so we could be in for a longer delay than anticipated. It looks for sure that the start will be delayed. Stay tuned for further updates. A couple of minutes later, the broadcasters confirm that the start of play has been delayed due to rain.

UPDATE - 1.13 pm GMT - Well, as we mentioned earlier about the forecast. Just when the toss happened, it started to drizzle and the covers came over the pitch quickly. So, we might be in for a delayed start here. 

The skipper of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says that they have three changes in the playing XI. Adds that they have gone with an extra spinner. Ish Sodhi will be playing in place of Kyle Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson is back in the starting line up. Santner shares that the last time they played it was a flat wicket in Chennai, but the conditions here are a bit different. Ends up saying that Pakistan have good spinners and they are ready to take them on.

The captain of Pakistan - Salman Agha says that they have one change in the team as Fakhar Zaman comes in for Khawaja Nafay. Adds that they have gone with one out and out pacer, along with the spinners and Faheem Ashraf. Ends by saying that they are looking forward to the game.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C) (In place of Cole McConchie), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi (In place of Kyle Jamieson), Lockie Ferguson (In place of Jacob Duffy).

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman (In place of Khawaja Nafay), Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Score: Pakistan win toss, opt to bat first

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has won the toss and opted to bat first against New Zealand in Colombo

NZ vs PAK T20 World Cup Live Score: It's toss time

Some good news from Colombo. There's no delay in the toss as Mitchell Santner and Salman Ali Agha are out in the middle for the flip.

NZ vs PAK T20 World Cup Live Score: Drizzle around R Premadasa Stadium

Rain is expected in Colombo; in fact, there's a bit of drizzle at the moment, though a complete washout is unlikely because of the drainage at R Premadasa Stadium and the practice of covering the entire field. Pakistan’s training session on match-eve (Friday) was called off due to rain.

The Premadasa pitch is expected to assist spin more than the surface at its Sinhalese counterpart, and the larger boundaries could make scoring harder. However, there was a recent exception when the Zimbabwe secured a high-scoring win over Sri Lanka on Thursday on a surface that strongly favoured batting.

NZ vs PAK T20 World Cup Live Score: Pace bowlers must adapt to surface

New Zealand’s pace attack includes Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy and James Neesham. They have been effective at times but have also been expensive when pace alone has been used on slower pitches.

Variations such as slower balls, cutters and changes in length become important here. Without consistent control from seamers, pressure can shift quickly onto the spin department. The balance between pace and spin usage will be a key tactical choice. Managing the early overs and the closing overs with discipline could determine whether Pakistan are contained or able to accelerate.

Mark Chapman appeared unsure when asked about the Super Eight groups, where all four teams that topped their groups will now face each other due to pre-tournament seedings. The 31-year-old smiled and said, “When it comes to scheduling and planning, that’s not really in my domain.”

His response reflects how the New Zealand national cricket team approach their game. After playing three matches in Chennai and one in Ahmedabad on red-soil pitches, the side had only one training session to adjust before their first Super Eight match against the Pakistan national cricket team at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Heavy clouds hover over Colombo as rain threatens to disrupt the crucial Pakistan vs New Zealand encounter. Our reporter Pratyush Raj is live from Colombo with all the live updates

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Score: Rain threat looms

While the cricketing rivalry adds spice, the weather in Colombo could play a decisive role. Rain is forecast before and during the match, which is scheduled to begin at 7 PM local time. Showers are expected during the first half, with temperatures hovering between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius and humidity above 80 per cent.

In this edition, both teams have blown hot and cold. Pakistan suffered a setback against India in the group stage, while New Zealand went down to South Africa. As a result, both finished second in their respective groups and now find themselves in a challenging Super 8 group that also includes England and Sri Lanka.

Form-wise, Pakistan come into the game with three wins in their last five matches (W, W, W, L, W), while New Zealand’s recent run reads L, W, W, L, W — again reflecting how evenly matched the sides are.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Score: Pakistan batting faces questions

While Pakistan hold a clear spin advantage, their batting has shown areas of concern.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan leads their run chart in the tournament, with Babar Azam yet to find sustained rhythm. His strike rate and run tally have drawn criticism as the team evaluates the best role for him in the batting order.

The management can also consider additional options, such as Fakhar Zama,n if changes are required.

Collective contributions from the batting unit will be important for Pakistan against the experienced bowling attack of New Zealand. Pakistan’s approach may depend on building steady partnerships rather than relying on individual innings to carry totals or chases.

New Zealand’s pace group includes Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and James Neesham.

PAK vs NZ Live Score: Pakistan spin depth

Pakistan rely heavily on their spin combination to control matches, especially on slow pitches that Sri Lanka has offered so far in the tournament.

Pakistan's spin options include Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan. Each offers a different approach, allowing frequent bowling changes and field adjustments.

Familiarity with local conditions adds to their advantage, as they have already played matches at this venue. The pitch requires bowlers to vary speed, use angles and force batters to take risks against turn.

A strong spin phase can restrict scoring and create wicket opportunities. Pakistan’s strategy often revolves around controlling the middle overs with spin before finishing with pace or mixed options at the death.

If New Zealand lose early wickets or fail to rotate strike, they may struggle to maintain scoring momentum through overs seven to fifteen.

NZ vs PAK T20 World Cup Live Score: New Zealand's inconsistent middle order under scrutiny

New Zealand’s middle order has shown flashes of impact but has not delivered steady returns across matches in the group-stage.

Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra each have a fifty each in the tournament so far, yet overall numbers have been modest. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell have also not made consistent contributions in the middle.

Ravindra’s tally includes a large share of runs from one innings. That pattern places more pressure on openers to provide fast starts and long partnerships.

Against a spin attack that varies pace and line, building partnerships in the middle overs becomes essential. If New Zealand lose early wickets or fail to rotate strike, they may struggle to maintain scoring momentum through overs seven to fifteen against Pakistan.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Score: Middle order test against spin threat

The central contest in this match is likely to revolve around how New Zealand’s middle order handles Pakistan’s spin resources on a surface that rewards control and patience.

The opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen have provided fast starts to Kiwis, but support from the rest of the batting line-up has been limited. Pakistan’s spin attack offers multiple options with different speeds and angles, forcing batters to adjust constantly.

Shot selection becomes important on a pitch that slows down after the Powerplay.

If the middle overs bring a cluster of wickets or a run-rate slowdown, it could shift the match quickly.

For New Zealand, the task is to build on early momentum and reach total of around 180 if batting first or manage a chase in that range. How the middle overs unfold may determine the result.

PAK vs NZ Live Score: Hello & welcome

Welcome to Times of India's live coverage of the first Super Eight Group 2 match between Pakistan and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.

This game marks the start of a new phase in the tournament, where fewer matches and clearer stakes bring sharper focus. Both teams arrive with three wins each from the group stage but also with unfinished business after losing key group matches. The contest takes place at the R. Premadasa Stadium, where surfaces have been low and slow and where teams must balance scoring with control.

Rain has been around the city, and covers have been in place, adding another layer of uncertainty.

With a semifinal place at stake over the coming days, this match offers both teams a chance to reset and begin the Super Eight phase with momentum.