The opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight between New Zealand and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday (February 21, 2026) was abandoned due to rain without a single ball being bowled.

After staying away through the day, the rain played spoilsport just moments after Salman Agha won the toss and opted to bat. Both teams took a point from this game.

Pakistan will take on England next in Pallekele while New Zealand welcomes Sri Lanka back to Colombo. Despite no action on the field, both teams’ selections were key takeaways on their outlook towards Group 2.

For a second straight game, Pakistan opted for Salman Mirza over Shaheen Afridi, who has struggled to find his groove at this World Cup and conceded at an economy rate of more than 11. But the bigger surprise was reserved in the selection of Fakhar Zaman.

Out of 108 innings in T20Is, Zaman has batted inside the top four in 99. Pakistan persisting with him going forward could lead to a shuffle in its batting order, possibly pushing Salman or Babar Azam further down.

In the opposite camp, New Zealand paid heed to the demands of the conditions and slotted in Ish Sodhi, whose only outing thus far had been two for 27 against the USA in a warm up match. On a wicket that would have been slower than its venues until now, New Zealand went with the outright pace of Lockie Ferguson to partner Matt Henry, instead of Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson.