ISLAMABAD: Rain washed out Pakistan’s Super Eight match against New Zealand at the Twenty20 World Cup in Colombo on Saturday, with the Group 2 clash abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and elected to bat at the R. Premadasa Stadium, but persistent showers intensified and puddles formed on the covers and outfield, preventing the start of play.
“Rain has the final say in Colombo,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a post on X. “Our first match of the Super Eight stage has been abandoned without a ball bowled.”
Both teams earned one point each from the abandoned fixture, the opening match of the tournament’s second phase.
Pakistan had made one change to their lineup, recalling Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaja Nafay, while New Zealand brought back regular captain Mitchell Santner along with Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson.
Pakistan next face England on Tuesday in a clash between two former champions, while New Zealand take on co-hosts Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
With input from Reuters and AP
