T20 World Cup: New Zealand-Pakistan match canceled due to rain

The opening match of the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup between New Zealand and Pakistan in Colombo was called off without a ball being bowled due to rain.

Spectators arriving at the R Premadasa Stadium found the field under cover after rain in the afternoon, but conditions improved enough for the toss to be held on time, with Pakistan winning and choosing to bat.

However, rain fell before the start of play and the referees abandoned the match just over two hours after its scheduled start time, with both teams receiving a point for no result.

Rain spoiled matches in the Sri Lankan capital during the Women’s World Cup in October, which was held during the island’s monsoon season, with seven of the 11 matches held there affected by the weather.

This is only the second match to be postponed in this tournament, after Ireland’s match with Zimbabwe in Pallekele on Tuesday was cancelled.

Both New Zealand and Pakistan finished second in the group stage, winning three matches and losing to the winners of their group, South Africa and India respectively.

The tournament resumes on Sunday with England taking on Sri Lanka in Pallekele (09:30 GMT) before India takes on South Africa in Ahmedabad (13:30 GMT).

Pakistan will be hoping for better weather when it faces England on Tuesday, while New Zealand resumes its campaign on Wednesday against Sri Lanka in Colombo (both matches at 13:30 GMT).