Cricket fans were left disappointed as the highly anticipated first Twenty20 international between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off after just two deliveries at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Severe weather conditions played spoilsport, leading to an anti-climactic start to the five-match T20I series.
The Rawalpindi sky was overcast as fans trickled into the stadium, hoping to witness an explosive clash between the two cricketing nations. The toss itself was delayed by 30 minutes due to the unsettled weather, with New Zealand’s captain Michael Bracewell eventually winning and opting to bat first, showing confidence in his team’s batting line-up. However, the rain had other plans, causing a prolonged delay that stretched over two and a half hours.
Hopes were briefly reignited when the umpires, Ahsan Raza and Aleem Dar, decided on a truncated five-over-a-side match, starting at 10:10 local time (9:10 GMT). The players hastily took to the field, and Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi was given the new ball. The left-arm pacer managed to deliver two eventful deliveries before the weather intervened again. Afridi’s first ball resulted in two leg-byes as debutant Tim Robinson, attempting a flick, missed, and the ball struck his pads, rolling towards fine leg. The second delivery saw Afridi’s signature pace and in-swing come into play, knocking back Robinson’s stumps and causing the Pakistan fielders to erupt in celebration. Unfortunately, this excitement was short-lived, as the rain returned, heavier than before, forcing the players off the field once more.
This time, the rain did not relent, and after a brief period of waiting, the match officials were forced to abandon the game. The scoreboard, stuck at 2/1 in 0.2 overs, was a dismal sight for cricket enthusiasts who had hoped for a thrilling encounter between the rejuvenated New Zealand side and a strong Pakistani team.
New Zealand’s squad for this series featured a blend of experience and fresh talent. With several first-choice players engaged in the Indian T20 League, this series served as an important platform for the likes of Tim Seifert, James Neesham, and newcomers under the leadership of Bracewell. On the other side, Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, was looking to build on their combinations and boost the confidence of young players like Saim Ayub and Iftikhar Ahmed, alongside seasoned campaigners Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Afridi.
This series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in June, with each match offering valuable insights into player form and team dynamics. Pakistan, benefiting from home conditions, were seen as slight favorites for the series, especially with their fans backing them to the hilt.
Looking ahead, both teams will be eager to shake off the disappointment of the washed-out game. The second T20I, scheduled for Saturday at the same venue, now holds even greater significance as the opening contest of what is effectively now a four-match series.
As the teams regroup, the question on everyone’s minds will be whether the weather will permit some actual cricket or if the rain will continue to dominate the headlines. Cricket lovers will hope for clearer skies as they await the rescheduled face-off in the compelling cricket saga between Pakistan and New Zealand. Fans are encouraged to tune in early for the build-up to the next match, hoping for a full game without any interruptions.