T20 World Cup: The first match was washed out, the second match of Super-8 is also under the shadow of rain, if it is canceled then the semi-final equation will become exciting.

New Delhi. The Super-8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 has started with a match marred by rain. Not a single ball could be played in this match between Pakistan and New Zealand held at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The toss of this Group 2 match also took place amid drizzle. It was expected that if the rain would stop then the game would be played, if only for a few overs. However, the rain did not stop, due to which the match had to be cancelled. Due to this, one point each was distributed to both the teams. The second match of Super-8 is to be held between England and Sri Lanka on 22 February. There is a threat of rain looming over this match also.

This afternoon match will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Co-host Sri Lanka Group-2 will be eyeing steps towards securing their place in the semi-finals by defeating England. However, England will also have the same intention. Two starting points will not only give confidence and momentum to both the teams, but will also put them ahead in the race for top-4. Both the teams know that every match of Super 8 is almost do or die.

Chance of rain in Pallekele
This match will start at 3 pm local time in Pallekele. However, the weather can also spoil the excitement of this match. There is about a 50 percent chance of rain at the beginning of the match and it is expected to rain for a longer period during the first innings. The temperature is expected to be around 22-27 degrees Celsius. Humidity is expected to be more than 80 percent. If this match is washed out due to rain, then the race to reach the semi-finals from Group-2 will become exciting.

According to the rules of ICC T20 World Cup Super 2026 Super-8, there is no reserve day except for the semi-finals and final. For the result, every team will have to play at least five overs. If this limit is not met by the cut-off time, the match will be abandoned as a no result, and both teams will share the points. In such a situation, if the Sri Lanka vs England match is canceled due to rain, it will mean that all the four teams of Group-2 will be equal on one point after one match. After this, each team will have two matches left. To reach the semi-finals, all four teams will have to win both their remaining matches, a defeat can bring them to the verge of elimination from the tournament. At present Pakistan is at the top in the group. New Zealand is at second number.