LIVE | PAK vs NZ Live Score T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Today Match Updates: Pakistan’s Semifinal Chances Suffer Huge Blow as Match vs New Zealand Is Called Off in Colombo

MATCH CALLED OFF! The first Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo on Saturday was abandoned due to rain. Both sides receive one point each.

Official Update: The opening Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand has been officially called off due to persistent rain. With no result possible, both teams share one point each as the tournament’s Super 8 stage begins with a washout.

The entire ground remains under covers as steady rain continues to delay the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 clash in the T20 World Cup 2026. Match officials have confirmed that overs will begin to be reduced from 8:10 PM local time, while the cut-off time for a minimum five-over contest is 10:16 PM.

New Zealand Playing XI: Tim Seifert (wk), 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 (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

Pakistan still have batting concerns, with all-rounder Shadab Khan (88 runs) their second-highest scorer after opener Sahibzada Farhan (220), who is currently the tournament’s leading run-getter.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have been based in Colombo since the start of the World Cup and have already played two matches at the Premadasa Stadium. Their bowlers — especially the spinners — are well aware of the pace and lengths needed on this slow surface, where smart shot selection matters more than aggressive hitting. 

New Zealand’s middle order will be key when they take on Pakistan in the opening Super 8 Group 2 match of the T20 World Cup in Colombo on Saturday, especially against the variety and spin threat of Pakistan’s bowling attack. So far, the Kiwi batting unit hasn’t fully clicked in the tournament, with only openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen making a strong impact, sharing three fifties between them.

No reserve day has been allocated for Super 8 matches. If rain forces a washout, both teams will share two points — a scenario that neither side would welcome, as it could dent their chances of qualifying for the semifinals. 

According to Weather.com, scattered thunderstorms are likely around toss time (6:30 pm local time), and the outlook for the rest of the evening remains poor, with rain and showers expected to continue.