COLOMBO: The opening encounter of the Super Eights stage in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand has been delayed due to rain.Â
Continuous rain has prevented the play from proceeding after the toss. The cutoff time for a result is 7:45 pm PKT, while the deadline to complete a minimum five-over contest is 9:45 pm, provided the rain stops.
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha won the toss and decided to bat first. The Green Shirts have made one change to their playing XI with Khawaja Nafay making way for Fakhar Zaman.
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On the contrary, New Zealand have made three changes to their side. Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, and Mitchell Santner are included in the lineup.
Playing XIs
New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
HEAD TO HEAD
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 49 times in the shorter format. The Green Shirts are one match ahead with 24 wins.
In the T20 World Cups, Pakistan leads with five victories, while New Zealand has won two.
Total: 49 — Pakistan 24, New Zealand 23, No Result 2
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