COLOMBO (Kashmir English): The opening match of the Super 8 (Group 2) of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off due to rain, making it even more difficult for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat, but rain prevented play from starting and the match was called off at 9:05. Both teams were awarded one point each.
This result has made the Super 8 points table more complicated as the group also includes England and Sri Lanka and only the top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
Pakistan’s Semi Final Scenario
Now, Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals are such that if Pakistan wins its remaining two matches (against England and Sri Lanka), it will get a total of 5 points and will make it to the semi-finals.
In case of winning one match and losing one, Pakistan will depend on the results and net run rate of the other teams. If Pakistan loses both the matches, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals will be over.
Earlier, the first match of Super 8 stage between Pakistan and New Zealand (Pak vs NZ) has been called off due to rain in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo.
In Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat. However, the match was delayed due to continuous rain, and not a single ball could be bowled. The umpire later announced the cancellation of the match.
Both teams were awarded one point each for the match being cancelled due to rain.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Super Eight schedule
Feb 21: vs New Zealand (Colombo)
Feb 24: vs England (Kandy)
Feb 28: vs Sri Lanka (Colombo)
Pakistan’s immediate focus is to win against top-tier opponents in the Super 8s to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Pakistan’s performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 so far has been inconsistent, marked by a critical group-stage loss to India but a strong rebound to secure a Super Eights spot.
The team has relied heavily on a specialized spin-heavy attack and top-order contributions from players like Sahibzada Farhan.
