New Zealand vs Pakistan Match Abandoned Without a Ball Bowled

The first match of the Super 8 stage between New Zealand and Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been called off due to rain. The New Zealand and Pakistan teams faced each other at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The toss took place, and Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. New Zealand made three changes to their playing eleven, while Pakistan also made a big move by including Fakhar Zaman in the playing eleven.

However, nothing happened in the match after that. Not a single ball was bowled, disappointing Pakistan, New Zealand, and cricket fans around the world. The cancellation of the match was disappointing to all. It was expected that the Super 8s would be a close contest, but not a single ball was bowled in the first match.

Pakistan was in Group A, where it won three matches to advance to the Super 8s. Pakistan won against the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands, while losing to India by 61 runs. Consequently, Pakistan finished second in the group and secured a spot in Super 8 Group 2.

New Zealand, on the other hand, was in Group D, where it lost to South Africa, while defeating Afghanistan, the UAE, and Canada to advance to the Super 8s. After this match ended in a draw (cancelled), both teams received one point each. New Zealand will now play against Sri Lanka and England, while Pakistan will also face the same two teams.

It should be noted that Pakistan has won the World Cup once, defeating Sri Lanka in the 2009 final. Additionally, the Green Army has reached the final twice. In 2007, they lost to the Indian team, while in 2022, they were defeated by England. New Zealand, on the other hand, has yet to win the T20 World Cup. Although they reached the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup, they were defeated by Australia, winning the title for the first time.