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Black Caps Frustrated as Rain Ruins T20 World Cup Super Eight Opener

On Saturday, Feb 21, 2026, the Pakistan v New Zealand match at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, was abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled, with broadcasters announcing delays.
With forecasts warning of late-evening thunderstorms, officials prepared for interruptions as more than 60 ground staff covered the square before the 10:16 PM IST cut-off, but persistent rain led to match cancellation.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat before rain delayed the start, with Pakistan replacing Khawaja Nafay by Fakhar Zaman and New Zealand recalling Mitchell Santner among three changes.
Fans and players were left frustrated by the washout as both teams lost the chance to build Super 8 momentum and JioHotstar/Star Sports missed live coverage.
Both teams will next face England and West Indies in the Super 8s, with the Pakistan national cricket team heading to Kandy to meet England on Feb 24 and Sri Lanka on Feb 28.

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