India, Feb. 21 -- Rain delayed the start of the opening Super 8 fixture of the 2026 T20 World Cup between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo on Friday, leaving fans and players in a prolonged wait after the toss.

There was a brief break in the showers when the groundsmen rushed to remove the covers as the captains walked out. New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner flipped the coin, Salman Agha called correctly, and Pakistan elected to bat first at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Khettarama. However, even as Agha began explaining his decision and confirming changes to the playing XI, rain returned, forcing the covers back onto the square.

Since then, players from both sides have remained inside their dressing rooms, watching the weather close...