New Zealand and Pakistan share points as rain forces T20 World Cup washout

The T20 World Cup Super Eight opener between New Zealand and Pakistan has been abandoned without a ball being bowled following heavy rain in Colombo.

Spectators arriving at the R Premadasa Stadium initially found the covers on, though conditions briefly improved enough for the toss to take place on time.

Pakistan won the coin flip and elected to bat, hoping to set a target in the first match of this tournament phase.

However, the weather closed in again before play could commence, forcing umpires to call the game off just over two hours after the scheduled start.

Points shared in Colombo opener

Both nations have taken a point each for the no result, leaving the group standings level at this early stage.

It marks only the second abandoned match of the competition, following the washout between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele on Tuesday.

The Black Caps and their Asian opponents had both finished second in the group stage, having suffered defeats to pool winners South Africa and India respectively.

Monsoon season causes disruption

Adverse weather has frequently blighted fixtures in the Sri Lankan capital recently, coinciding with the island’s monsoon season.

During October’s Women’s World Cup, seven of the 11 matches held at this venue were affected by rain.

The tournament is scheduled to resume on Sunday with England playing the hosts Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

What comes next?

Later on Sunday, India will face South Africa in Ahmedabad as the Super Eight stage continues.

Pakistan will hope for drier conditions when they face England on Tuesday.

New Zealand are set to resume their campaign on Wednesday against Sri Lanka, returning to the R Premadasa Stadium.