Rain washes out clash, New Zealand and Pakistan share points

The match between New Zealand and Pakistan in Colombo was abandoned due to rain. A steady drizzle that began right after the toss gradually intensified, forcing the umpires to call off the game and award one point to each side.

Officials waited for more than two hours from the scheduled start time in hopes of an improvement in the weather. However, with no signs of the rain easing and puddles forming on the covers, it became impossible to begin play. The overhead conditions remained unfavorable, leaving the match officials with no choice but to abandon the contest.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and opted to bat first. But as the captains were speaking, a light drizzle began, prompting the ground staff to bring the covers on immediately. Rain had already disrupted preparations, as Pakistan’s evening training session the previous day was cancelled due to wet weather, raising concerns about the match from the outset.

Both teams made changes to their playing XIs. Pakistan left out Khawaja Nafay and brought back Fakhar Zaman. New Zealand made three changes, including the return of their captain Mitchell Santner.

Both sides had already opened their accounts in the Super Eight stage, but the washout leaves them with even less margin for error going forward. Pakistan will face England next Tuesday before taking on Sri Lanka a week later. New Zealand, meanwhile, will play Sri Lanka on Wednesday and England on Friday. All matches in the group are being held in Sri Lanka.