Pakistan’s Super Eight campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 began on a frustrating note as their opening match against New Zealand in Colombo was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Persistent rain at the R. Premadasa Stadium continued even after the toss, leaving officials with no option but to declare a no-result.
With no reserve day scheduled for the fixture, both teams take one point each. Pakistan now have two Super Eight matches left, against England and Sri Lanka, and their route to the T20 World Cup semi-finals is still in their hands.
If Pakistan win both remaining games, they will move to five points, which would put them in a strong position to reach the last four.
If they win only one of the two, they would finish on three points and will then need other results to go their way. Any scenario where Pakistan fail to win either of their remaining matches would effectively end their semi-final hopes.
One possible pathway for Pakistan to qualify with three points could open up depending on how the other fixtures play out, particularly if New Zealand collect points against England and Sri Lanka in a way that keeps the table tight and creates a two-team gap.
However, that equation will only become clearer once all teams have at least one completed match in the Super Eight stage.
New Zealand are in a similar situation. The washout gives them a point, but they will still need wins in their remaining games to secure a semi-final spot.
Pakistan next play England in Colombo on February 24, while New Zealand face Sri Lanka on February 25.
