Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana, left, and captain Dasun Shanaka (AP Photo)

Dark clouds have loomed over Kandy this week, with rain sweeping across the Hanthana mountain range and keeping the covers on at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!More showers are expected on Sunday, threatening to intrude on this T20 World Cup Super 8 contest between Sri Lanka and England. If the weather relents, a duel of spin could define the clash.England return to familiar territory after brushing aside Sri Lanka 3-0 in a T20I series here earlier this month. That success provides reassurance, especially after a stuttering group-stage campaign in which they edged Nepal by four runs, lost to West Indies by 30, then beat Scotland by five wickets and Italy by 24 runs.

England captain Harry Brook conceded that his team were “too careful with the bat” in the group stage. “We’ve been too careful with the bat. We can probably be a bit more brave in certain situations and have more faith in the guys behind us to be able to put up a decent score,” he said, adding, “We probably underestimated a few of the teams and they put up a really good fight. Thankfully, we are in the Super 8s.”Sri Lanka’s journey has followed a similar arc of promise and pause. Comfortable wins over Ireland and Oman set the tone and a chase of 182 against Australia at this venue showcased their credentials. Yet, a stumble against Zimbabwe in Colombo has stalled their momentum.

For the co-hosts, much rests on opener Pathum Nissanka, who struck an unbeaten 52-ball century against Australia. With 199 runs in the group stage, he sits among the leading scorers. Brook reckoned Nissanka’s form will be a threat and said England have plans to remove him early. Kusal Mendis, with three half-centuries in four innings, adds gravitas at the top of the order.However, the absence of pacer Matheesha Pathirana, ruled out for the remainder of the competition, has dented their bowling resources. Maheesh Theekshana’s six wickets, meanwhile, underline his importance.With the ball, legspinner Adil Rashid remains vital to England’s plans, supported by Jofra Archer’s pace. Rashid has six wickets in the tournament, including 2/16 against West Indies, highlighting his threat on surfaces that grip. Asked if Jacob Bethell is fit to bowl, Brook said: “Not sure yet, he’s got a decent cut in his finger. If there’s some way we can get around that, then we’d bowl him.”

Shivam Dube, left, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya (AP Photo)

AHMEDABAD: The T20 World Cup has entered the Super 8 stage. The tournament, designed to soothe commercial nerves by pre-seeding teams, has lost some of its organic charm along the way. The finalists from the last edition, India and South Africa, have reached Ahmedabad for a fresh bout. Unlike second rounds of World Cups in other sports, they have had the luxury of planning for this day, at this venue, since the ICC released the fixtures in late Nov. All they had to do was avoid an upset against Associate and lower-ranked teams in the first fortnight of the tournament. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Now that both sides have had at least one scare in the group stage, they will turn up on Sunday evening in front of a packed crowd with little room for excuses and an unforgiving weight of expectations. The tournament is in its ‘no let-up zone’. “If I am in that situation (to decide tournament fixtures), I will definitely try and tweak it,” was India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s honest confession on the teams being pre-seeded. The financial scars from the ODI World Cups in 2003 and 2007 still haunt the caretakers of the sport. In trying to guard against that, the format has reduced the element of surprise in a global event.

The familiarity factor Familiarity with conditions and opponents will be the last of the concerns in either camp, having played each other India barely a couple of months ago. South Africa, for instance, come into this match having already played three matches at this venue with another to go after Sunday. “I think almost all the players have played N number of games in Ahmedabad. Even the Indian team has played a lot of games here. It’s going to be a good 50-50 competition,” Surya stated on match eve. But he was also prompt to mention that the overseas players’ exposure to franchise has anyway negated that home advantage to a great extent. “We know what teams we are playing. And we also had a good number of days in between previous games. So, we got good time to prepare for every team,” Surya highlighted the benefits of being pre-seeded. South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock suggested this familiarity could be a double-edged sword. “That’s what’s going to make for quite a good game tomorrow because we’ve played against each other quite a bit over the last two months. And to be honest the teams haven’t really changed much. We’ve played against each other a lot in the IPL. So, it’s just a matter of being out there, who crumbles under pressure first,” De Kock claimed.Treading cautiously Surya, since the beginning of the campaign, has never denied the pressure of playing a World Cup at home, let alone defending the title. For once, since becoming India’s T20I captain, he eschewed his characteristic quips in media briefings on Saturday evening. “I never said we don’t have any fear. I only said that we are not worried about anything,” he firmly corrected the media. He didn’t deny whispers about the law of averages catching up with India’s rampaging run in ICC white-ball tournaments in the last two years. Neither did he downplay the fact that the collapse against USA at the top of the tournament had shaken the core strategy of the team. That jailbreak in Mumbai grounded Surya’s high-flying bunch of T20 hitmen. “Since that USA game, we have not been thinking too much about how we plan to start our Super 8 campaign. We started thinking more about the next day, taking one step at a time. There will be pressure. If there is no pressure, there won’t be any fun in playing this game,” Surya stated. The black soil pitch South Africa deflated Indian cricket’s ego, sweeping the two-Test series in India in Nov. They bare open India’s fragility against the turning ball, which has interestingly continued to dominate discussions even during this World Cup. De Kock was blunt in mentioning that he has seen no turn at this venue in the three previous games. On Sunday, the curators will roll out the 22-yard surface made of black soil. The red-soil pitches have stayed under the lush green layer of grass. TOI understands that the team had identified that playing on a red-soil pitch, which usually offers better bounce than a black-soil pitch, in the second Test in Guwahati worked in favour of the South Africans. The murmurs suggested that the SENA teams are much more comfortable with greater bounce even if the pitch took turn or played slow. The Indian team has practiced on black soil pitches at the centre square here for two days. Surya has entered the most crucial week of his captaincy career. The preparations could not have been any better. Now, as De Kock said, it’s down to who blinks first!

Pakistan will lock horns with New Zealand in their first Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday. With a storied rivalry and plenty at stake, the contest promises to be a high-intensity encounter between two evenly matched sides.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8s: Head-to-head record between PAK and NZ in T20Is

This will be the 50th T20I meeting between Pakistan and New Zealand, underlining how closely contested this rivalry has been in the shortest format. Of the 49 matches played so far, Pakistan have won 24, New Zealand 23, while two games ended in ties — a near-perfect split that highlights the fine margins between the teams.

Since January 2022 alone, the two sides have faced each other 24 times in T20Is. New Zealand hold a slight edge with 13 wins compared to Pakistan’s nine. However, Pakistan fans draw confidence from their memorable victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, where they defeated the Black Caps to book a place in the final.New Zealand and Pakistan last played a T20 match in March last year, when New Zealand hosted the 2009 T20 World Cup champions for a three-match series, which the home side won 2-1.Total Matches Played: 49Pakistan Won: 24New Zealand Won: 23No Result: 2Performance of both teams in their last 5 matchesPakistan: W, W, W, L, WNew Zealand : L:, W, W, L, WIn this edition, both teams have blown hot and cold. Pakistan suffered a setback against India in the group stage, while New Zealand went down to South Africa. As a result, both finished second in their respective groups and now find themselves in a challenging Super 8 group that also includes England and Sri Lanka.Form-wise, Pakistan come into the game with three wins in their last five matches (W, W, W, L, W), while New Zealand’s recent run reads L, W, W, L, W — again reflecting how evenly matched the sides are.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8s: Weather report

While the cricketing rivalry adds spice, the weather in Colombo could play a decisive role. Rain is forecast before and during the match, which is scheduled to begin at 7 PM local time. Showers are expected during the first half, with temperatures hovering between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius and humidity above 80 per cent.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8s weather report: What happens if PAK-NZ gets called off?

There is no reserve day for this Super 8 fixture. If the match is abandoned due to rain, both teams will share one point each — a scenario that could severely dent their semi-final hopes. Officials will have an additional 90 minutes on the day to try and force a result, but if even a five-over contest isn’t possible, the game will be called off.

Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha, right, shakes hands with New Zealand’s captain Mitchel Santner after toss (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

NEW DELHI: Rain spoiled the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 clash in Colombo, and the match was completely washed out without a ball being bowled. As a result, both teams shared one point, which has made the race for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals much more complicated.

This was an important game for both sides because a win would have given them a strong start in the Super 8 stage. Instead, Pakistan and New Zealand now have only two matches left to push for a top-two finish in their group.For Pakistan, the situation is simple but tough. They will next play England and Sri Lanka. If Pakistan manage to win both matches, they will reach five points, which should be enough to book a place in the semi-finals. However, if they lose even one game, their chances become tricky. One win and one loss would leave them on three points, and then they would have to depend on other teams’ results. If Pakistan lose both remaining matches, they will be knocked out of the tournament.New Zealand are in the same boat. The rain has given them a point, but they will still need wins in their upcoming matches to stay in control of their destiny. Any slip-up could pull them into a tight battle with the other teams in the group.Since this was the first Super 8 match for both Pakistan and New Zealand, the full picture will only become clear once all teams have played at least one game. Both sides were seen as favourites to reach the semi-finals, but the washout has made their path harder and kept the group wide open.

NEW DELHI: It would be wrong to say that the “real” T20 World Cup begins on Saturday, when Pakistan face New Zealand in the first Super 8 match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. There were tight, interesting contests in the group stage too, which was a 40-match affair in this 20-team tournament.The biggest newsmakers from the group stage were undoubtedly Zimbabwe, who topped Group B comprising two former champions: co-hosts Sri Lanka and Australia. The African side defeated both and knocked Australia out of the tournament in the group stage.

Whereas Afghanistan missed out on the Super 8s from arguably the toughest group in the tournament. Group D featured last edition’s finalists South Africa, who topped it with four wins from four matches, and New Zealand. The Rashid Khan-led side will rue the double Super Over defeat against the Proteas — arguably the most exciting match of the group stage — as they had chances during both the regular phase and the Super Over.Despite having three associate nations, Group C matches were memorable and historical. West Indies and England progressed to the Super 8s as expected, but the group saw debutants Italy win their first match against Nepal. Nepal also ended their long winless run in the tournament with a win over Scotland. Scotland, who were late entrants after Bangladesh decided to withdraw, also returned home with a win.But arguably the easiest group was Group A, especially for defending champions and co-hosts India. India were not dominant throughout the group stage, but it was pretty comfortable, and their unbeaten run despite not being at their best, and the highest net run rate (+2.500) across groups, showed there was little to no contest for them at this stage.

There was hype and “dramatised” suspense over the traditionally most-watched rivalry between India and Pakistan. But it was a no contest from the beginning, and India, who went to Colombo to play the game, had no difficulty overcoming their arch-rivals by 61 runs. Having three associate teams apart from Pakistan meant it was almost a ‘catwalk’ for India to the Super 8s. There were a few jitters against the USA and the Netherlands, but they never looked out of control.So, in the real sense, the Super 8s are going to be the real deal for India in their title defence.The seedings for the Super 8s were already pre-decided and apart from Zimbabwe’s dream underdog run, there were no surprises. But by the time the group stage concluded, with Australia winning their final game against Oman and flying back Down Under, there were question marks over the pre-seedings.This was because Group 1, of which India is part, has all teams entering the next round unbeaten and as group toppers. India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe all topped their respective groups and remained unbeaten. So all the in-form teams are in Group 1 and only two will make the semi-finals. Whereas Group 2 comprises teams who finished second — New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.So, as per form and confidence, India now have the toughest possible opponents in the Super 8s. All of them are coming into the next round with much tougher contests than India, who are yet to strike their peak — and that’s a big worry for the champions.There is now a 50-50 chance of India peaking at the right time, or struggling to match their battle-hardened opponents.India’s biggest worriesIndia have a few glaring issues ahead of the Super 8 stage, and the biggest of them is the form of opener and current No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who has scored a hat-trick of ducks. The 25-year-old is yet to open his account in his first ICC event.

The team management remains confident, saying Abhishek is hitting well in the nets and is just one good knock away from regaining form and confidence. The team and the billion-plus Indian fans will hope that Abhishek, who has traumatised bowlers over the last two years, will come good in the business end. Some have even compared his struggles with Virat Kohli in the last edition, hoping that like Kohli, who won Player of the Match in the final, Abhishek will click when needed most. Looking at his career so far, there is reason to hope.Fielding, especially catching, remains the next big concern. India are among the worst catching sides in the tournament so far, and against in-form teams in this group, dropped chances can be very costly.What’s in store for India in the Super 8sSouth AfricaIndia start their Super 8 campaign against the Proteas on Sunday (Feb 22) in Ahmedabad — a rematch of the 2024 final. It will be India’s biggest hurdle in their title defence.South Africa are based in Ahmedabad and played three group matches at the venue, making them far more familiar with conditions than India, who played only their last group match there.The venue has produced high-scoring games, and the Proteas have shown versatility — defending 200-plus, winning a double Super Over thriller, and producing a commanding chase against New Zealand. India did secure a high-scoring win against the Netherlands there, but only by 17 runs, not as commanding as South Africa’s victories.

India will need batting, bowling and fielding to click together immediately, as the road ahead will only get tougher.ZimbabweOn paper, Zimbabwe are the weakest opponent. But their momentum and giant-killing spree — beating Australia and Sri Lanka — make them extremely dangerous.It would be foolish to consider Zimbabwe an easy two points. Their three group wins were comfortable, not scrappy. They beat Australia by 23 runs after defending a competitive total, and chased 179 against Sri Lanka with ease.India should be cautious. However, Zimbabwe now travel to Chennai after playing in Sri Lanka. Even if conditions are somewhat similar, it remains a new pitch for them. India too will play their first match there, but being hosts, they should have a better understanding.Zimbabwe’s first Super 8 result and India’s clash against South Africa could decide the momentum heading into their meeting.

West IndiesIndia face West Indies on March 1 in their final Super 8 match. By then, qualification scenarios will be clearer, and the match could become do-or-die.West Indies have been in terrific form. They have already played matches in Mumbai and Kolkata, and the Eden Gardens surface will be familiar territory. India, meanwhile, will be playing there for the first time.This venue hopping gives opponents a slight advantage, even if these remain India’s home conditions.West Indies are always dangerous in this format and have a history of trophy success in India, including lifting the title at Eden Gardens itself.It will not be easy.The real test begins nowIndia cruised through the group stage without hitting top gear. But the Super 8s present a completely different challenge — battle-hardened opponents, high-pressure matches and no easy wins.This phase will define India’s title defence.It is going to be a rough ride. But if India manage to sneak past this group, they will not only remain on course for another trophy, but also prove their championship pedigree once again.

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stepped in to support the Pakistan hockey team after a major controversy during their Australia tour. The issue started when hockey players accused the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) of leaving them without proper support while playing in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26.

Players claimed that no hotel was booked for them in Australia, so they had to spend hours on the streets. They also said they had to cook their own food and clean utensils while staying in an Airbnb. The situation created outrage in Pakistan and raised serious questions about how the team was managed.After the allegations, PHF president Tariq Bugti sent his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, he also suspended team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt for two years, which angered many players and fans.Amid this chaos, Mohsin Naqvi came forward to back the hockey players. Naqvi is Pakistan’s Interior Minister and also the PCB chairman. He said Pakistan cricket would help the hockey team in every possible way.“We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi said.He also told the players to focus only on their game and not worry about management issues. “You should focus only on the game. Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not allow the country’s dignity to be compromised under any circumstances,” Naqvi said during a meeting.Naqvi later clarified on social media that he is not taking over the hockey federation but will help during this crisis. “I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players till this turmoil ends,” he wrote on X.According to reports, the PCB also gave financial support to the hockey players. Each national team player reportedly received one million Pakistani rupees as assistance.Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt later said that his suspension will be reversed. He also said the PCB will help organise a training camp in Lahore to prepare for the upcoming Hockey World Cup qualifiers.

Colombo under covers (Photo by Pratyush Raj/TimesofIndia.com)

NEW DELHI: Rain completely washed out the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match in Colombo on Saturday, leaving fans disappointed and the points table wide open. The abandoned match means both teams share one point, which has made the semi-final race more complicated.This match was important for both teams to get a strong start in the Super 8 stage. Instead, Pakistan and New Zealand now have two matches left to secure a place in the semi-finals.

For Pakistan, the path is clear but challenging. They will face England and Sri Lanka next. If Pakistan win both matches, they will reach five points, which should be enough to qualify for the semi-finals. However, if they lose even one game, their qualification chances will depend on other results.If Pakistan win one match and lose one, they will finish with three points and will need other teams to drop points. If they lose both matches, Pakistan will be knocked out of the tournament.New Zealand are in a similar situation. The washout gives them one point, but they will also need victories in their remaining matches to stay in control. Any slip-up could drag them into a tight points race.Since this was the first Super 8 match for both teams, the group standings will become clearer once all teams have played at least one game. Both Pakistan and New Zealand were considered favourites, but the rain has made their road to the semi-finals more difficult.

Photo/TimesofIndia.com

NEW DELHI: The first match of the Super Eight stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was abandoned on Saturday after continuous rain prevented any play between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.Officials called off the game after conditions failed to improve enough for a start, meaning the Super Eight phase began without a ball being bowled. Both teams shared one point each, which could affect their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

The playing conditions of this tournament for the International Cricket Council (ICC) require a minimum of five overs per side for a result to be declared. The cut-off time for a shortened contest was set at 10:15pm, but the weather never cleared. With no reserve days in the Super Eights – they are only available for the semifinals and final – the fixture was abandoned and ‘no result’ was marked against it. Pakistan had won the toss and chosen to bat first amid light drizzle, but the rain soon became heavier, forcing the match to be abandoned.Before the washout, Pakistan made one change, bringing in Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaja Nafay.New Zealand made three changes, with captain Mitchell Santner returning after missing the previous match against Canada due to a stomach issue, while Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi were also included in the playing XI.The abandoned match has tightened the situation for both teams ahead of their remaining two Super Eight fixtures. Another washout or a defeat could seriously affect their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Pakistan, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka are placed in Group 2 of the Super Eight stage. Pakistan will next play England in their next Super Eight match on February 24, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.New Zealand will remain in Colombo to play the Sri Lanka on February 25.