In an anticipated showdown between Pakistan and New Zealand, rain played spoilsport as the first T20I match, scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM, faced a lengthy delay. The downpour persisted, pushing the game’s start time by nearly three hours.
Adding to the anticipation, Pakistan announced their squad for the series, featuring debutants Irfan and Usman. The young talents earned their maiden calls, injecting fresh energy into the team.
Finally, at 10:12 PM, the players took to the field as the match was adjusted to a five-over per side contest. However, the cricketing excitement was short-lived. After Shaheen Afridi claimed the wicket of debutant Tim Robinson on the second ball, the rain returned.
Despite efforts to resume play, the game had surpassed the cut-off time of 10:10 PM, leading the umpires to call off proceedings.
Fans will now look forward to the next clash in the series, set to take place on Saturday, April 20, at the same venue.
Although the series opener, comprising five T20 matches between the two teams, will be hosted at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, while two matches are scheduled to take place in Lahore.
Pakistan Squad
Babar Azam (Captain)
Saimee Ayub
Mohammad Rizwan
Usman Khan
Iftikhar Ahmed
Irfan Khan
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Naseem Shah
Mohammad Amir
Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand Squad
Michael Bracewell (Captain)
Mark Chapman
Josh Clarkson
Jacob Duffy
Dean Foxcroft
Finn Allen
James Neesham
Tim Seifert
Ben Sears
Tom Blundell
Ish Sodhi
