Rain washes out Pakistan-New Zealand T20 World Super Eights opener match

Pakistan and New Zealand's opening Super Eights match at the T20 World Cup was abandoned on Saturday because of rain without a ball being bowled.

The rain started at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium as soon as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first.

Babar Azam (C, top) and his captain Salman Agha (L, top) react after the T20 Cricket World Cup Super Eight match was called off due to rain. AFP

The persistent rain eventually led to the umpires calling off the Group 2 game with the teams awarded a point each.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the ‌toss and elected to ⁠bat in the Group Two match but play could not begin as the rain only ​got heavier and puddles ‌formed on the covers on the outfield.

The teams ⁠earned one point each from the abandoned first ​fixture ‌of the tournament's ‌Super Eight stage.

Pakistan face England in a clash ‌between two ‌former champions ⁠on Tuesday, while ‌New Zealand play tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka ⁠on Wednesday.

A ground staff walks over the covered field after the T20 Cricket World Cup Super Eight match between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off due to rain. AFP

Tournament co-host India plays South Africa in Ahmedabad in the first Group 1 match on Sunday, when co-host Sri Lanka and England meet in Group 2 in Pallekele.

Agencies