Overview:
According to the rules and regulations, there will be an additional 90 minutes available for a result on the match day, but everything depends on the start time.
The cricket matches in Sri Lanka are often impacted by rain, especially in Colombo. Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the first Super 8 stage game in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 21.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four, and two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
India, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the West Indies are in Group 1, while New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England comprise Group 2.
However, there is a possibility of the Super 8s opener between Pakistan and New Zealand getting called off due to rain, as the forecast is grim for the day. According to AccuWeather, the rain is predicted in the afternoon and the evening. Skies will be cloudy all day.
The maximum downpour is expected in the afternoon, while the chances of rain will drop between 7 PM and 11 PM. The air quality will be in the poor category.
So far, only one match has been washed out in the tournament, with Zimbabwe and Ireland getting a point each after the proceedings didn’t take place in Pallekele.
What happens if the Pakistan vs New Zealand match is called off?
If the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 match is abandoned due to weather, both teams will share one point each. The ICC hasn’t kept a reserve day, and the washed-out game will impact the two teams’ chances of making it to the last four.
According to the rules and regulations, there will be an additional 90 minutes available for a result on the match day, but everything depends on the start time. If there is not enough time for even a 5-over game, the officials will call off the contest, with both teams being awarded 1 point each.
Super 8 Stage Group 2 Schedule
February 21 – Pakistan vs New Zealand – Colombo
February 22 – Sri Lanka vs England – Pallekele
February 24 – England vs Pakistan – Pallekele
February 25 – Sri Lanka vs England – Colombo
February 27 – England vs New Zealand – Colombo
February 28 – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Pallekele