Groundsmen cover the field in Colombo (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

NEW DELHI: Rain became the biggest talking point around the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 match in Colombo on Saturday, and a complete washout means it will shake up the race for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. With both teams seen as strong contenders, fans are wondering who benefits and who could be in trouble if no ball is bowled.

As the match is washed out, Pakistan and New Zealand will get one point each. On paper, that sounds fair, but it actually makes the group more complicated. Both teams would then have only two matches left to secure a top-two finish.For Pakistan, the equation is simple but tough. They still have to play England and Sri Lanka. If they win both games, they will reach five points, which should almost guarantee a semi-final spot. But if they lose even one match, things get risky. One win and one loss would leave them on three points, and then they would need other results to go their way. If they lose both games, Pakistan will be out of the tournament.New Zealand face a similar situation. A washout gives them a point, but they will also need wins in their remaining matches to stay in control. If they slip up, they too could be dragged into a tight points race.So who benefits from a washout? Teams like England and Sri Lanka could quietly benefit because it keeps the group open. If Pakistan and New Zealand drop points due to rain, other teams can catch up with wins and put pressure on the favourites.Who is in danger? Both Pakistan and New Zealand lose a chance to get ahead early. In short tournaments like the Super 8s, every point matters, and rain can change everything.

New Zealand’s captain Mitchel Santner (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: New Zealand were dealt an unexpected blow ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup clash against Canada after skipper Mitchell Santner was ruled out due to illness caused by what stand-in captain Daryl Mitchell described as a “dodgy burger.” With a Super 8 berth within touching distance, New Zealand were forced into a late reshuffle at the toss as Canada elected to bat first on Tuesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Mitch had a bit of a dodgy burger last night and he’s not feeling too great today, so hopefully he’s good to go in 24 hours,” Mitchell said, underlining the suddenness of the setback. All-rounder Cole McConchie was drafted in as a like-for-like replacement, with Mitchell adding, “Cole comes in for Santner as well, so again it’s a very similar role. He’ll be excited to get the opportunity.”Live Score: New Zealand vs CanadaThe Black Caps were already managing another enforced absence, with pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson returning home for the birth of his first child. His replacement, Kyle Jamieson, was welcomed back into the XI. “Firstly excited for Lockie to have his first baby and he’ll be back soon, but Kyle Jamieson comes in for him, so it’s a like for like replacement, which is good,” Mitchell said.Despite the disruptions, the stakes remain clear. A third win in Group D would seal New Zealand’s place in the Super 8s, keeping their campaign firmly on track after earlier victories over Afghanistan and the UAE and a setback against South Africa. Mitchell expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt.“It brings different challenges. A number of us have played quite a few games here… so we understand the conditions. We’ll assess the surface quickly and adapt as the game unfolds,” he said.