PAK vs NZ Highlights: The first T20I at the Pindi Cricket Stadium is washed out due to rain.


Rawalpindi crowd go back home disappointed as the match ends after just two balls! We will back again day after tomorrow for the second T20I. Goodbye for now

Damn! The match is called off as the rain arrives again after Shaheen Afridi takes the wicket of his second ball. Players shake hands as the PAK vs NZ 1st T20 lasts just two balls!

CLEAN BOWLED! Shaheen Afirid hits the middle stump and Robinson is gone for a duck on debut!
NZ 2/1 in 0.2 overs

Players are out in the middle. Seifert and Robinson open for New Zealand while Shaheen Afridi will bowl the new ball
The match is all set to resume

Here are the revised playing condition
Official announcement: It's going to be a 5-over-a-side match! Further details to follow soon
Official update on the match resumption to be available in another 5 minutes!

The covers are off completely and the umpires have left the field too. Looks like we are all set for a reduced-over game. Details to follow!

Covers are coming off while the umpires are still on the ground. We are 20 minutes away from the cut-off

An unending conversation is going on between the umpires on the ground. We will get to know soon if there will be a match or not. Super Sopper continues to dry the field
While we wait for official confirmation, the cut-off time for a 5-over-a-side match is 10:10 local time
Umpires are out in the middle for ground inspection at the moment

There's good news for the fans! The covers are being taken off and super sopper is out to dry the wet outfield! Official update to follow soon
There's no stopping rain at the moment as we are yet to spot a single soul on the ground while a full-capacity crowd patiently wait
The wait seems endless as not a single soul is out on the ground yet, suggesting light rain is on. However, fans are not hiding under plastic sheets anymore while music is on

The two umpires inspect the ground after the rain stops but it's quite clear that it will take some effort to dry the outfield before the match could begin. The threat of further rain interruption also remains

Good news from the venue, the rain has stopped! Further updates awaited

It's not a heavy downpour at the moment but it's still drizzling

It continues to come down hard at the Rawalpindi Stadium. Official updated awaited
It continues to rain at the venue as we speak. With every passing minute, the hopes of any early start is not worth considering
Heavy downpour at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The match may not begin anytime soon. Keep an eye on this space for latest updates
Heavy rain in Rawalpindi. pic.twitter.com/2Yf9eQtWyb
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 18, 2024

This is going to be a longer wait as it continues to rain at the Pindi Cricket Stadium while there's not a single soul on the ground

The delay is going to be longer than expected as the groundstaff is putting additional cover on the pitch

Fans have come prepared as it continues to rain at the Rawalpindi Stadium

Experts are hoping this to be a passing shower but covers are on at the moment

Uh-oh! The match is halted before the first ball could be bowled by Shaheen Afridi as the rain arrives at the venue! Umpires signal players to go back inside while the covers are coming on. Before the match was interrupted, Babar and Shaheen embraced each other in a friendly hug upon being approached by the captain

The rendition of Pakistan national anthem 'Pak Sarzamin' is being played at the Rawalpindi Stadium after the national anthem of the visiting side as per the customs

Players are out in the middle for the national anthem ceremony. One can spot a few drops of rain while players walk out in the middle. Nothing too serious, as far as rain is concerned

Mohammad Amir says it feels like an international debut for him as he returns to Men in Green after four years. Despite being four years older, the left-arm pacer is saying he is fitter than he was in 2019 and feels it will allow him to execute his talent better
With the World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan's selectors are under pressure to finalize the squad by May 1st, with an announcement set for April 25.
Babar Azam returns as captain, leading the team after his stellar performance in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL). His leadership, coupled with Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim's comeback, adds depth and experience to the squad.
In the batting department, Babar Azam's consistent form is a boon, but Pakistan's middle-order fragility remains a concern. Players like Usman Khan, who impressed in the PSL, could provide stability if they translate their domestic success onto the international stage.
New Zealand, despite missing key players engaged in IPL 2024, presents a formidable challenge. Led by Michael Bracewell, the team features promising talents like Mark Chapman and experienced campaigners like Jimmy Neesham, known for their adaptability in Pakistani conditions.
However, New Zealand's squad depth will be tested, with injuries sidelining Finn Allen and Adam Milne. This opens doors for debutants Zak Foulkes and Tim Robinson to make their mark in the series.
Weather could play a crucial role, as rain is expected to affect the matches in Rawalpindi. Both teams will keep a close eye on the forecast, hoping for uninterrupted gameplay.
With no major injury concerns except for Pakistan's Haris Rauf, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, the stage is set for an intense battle between bat and ball.
As Babar Azam's men aim to fine-tune their squad for the World Cup, and New Zealand seeks to test their bench strength, cricket fans can expect an exciting series filled with talent, strategy, and competitive spirit.