The atmosphere at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is tense as the opening Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 is on hold. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first against New Zealand. However, heavy rain has caused delays, preventing any play from starting. Both teams are waiting in their dressing rooms as rainfall varies. Meanwhile, everyone is watching the weather forecast, hoping for a break in the rain for this important Group 2 match.
T20 World Cup 2026: Is there a reserve day for the Pakistan vs New Zealand game?
Fans and team strategists are disappointed as there is no reserve day for the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 match. The ICC’s 2026 tournament rules specify that reserve days are only available for knockout matches, including the two semi-finals and the final. If the rain continues and the pitch stays covered tonight, the match will be logged as it is, or not at all.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) states that reserve days are for knockout games only. At least five overs are needed for a conclusive result,” they state.
Match officials have added a 90-minute extension for the delay, but the time for a complete 20-over match is running out. We are nearing the critical time of 8:10 PM IST, after which overs will be progressively reduced.
T20 World Cup 2026: What happens if Pakistan vs New Zealand is canceled?
If rain continues and the match is called off, the impact on Group 2 will be significant. According to ICC rules, a ‘No Result’ means that both Pakistan and New Zealand earn 1 point each. While this keeps both teams in the game, it complicates their chances in a competitive group that also includes England and Sri Lanka, where every point and net run rate matters greatly.
“If the match between Pakistan and New Zealand is washed out, both teams will share points, making it tougher for them to reach the semi-finals. The last time to start a five-over match is 10:16 PM IST,” they point out.
A canceled match would turn the remaining two matches for both teams into ‘must-win’ situations. Pakistan will face pressure in their February 24 match against England, knowing that another loss could end their World Cup hopes. For now, all focus is on the 10:16 PM IST deadline, the last obtainable time to start a short match for a decisive result.
