Rain Threatens to Disrupt Pakistan vs. New Zealand T20I Series
Overview:
The highly anticipated T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to kick off amidst concerns of rain playing spoilsport, particularly during the matches in Rawalpindi. The series, comprising five matches, will commence on April 18 and culminate on April 27, with the first three matches scheduled in Rawalpindi followed by the remaining two in Lahore. Here’s a detailed look at the series schedule, the teams’ preparations, and the weather forecast:
Series Schedule:
- April 18: 1st T20I at Rawalpindi
- April 20: 2nd T20I at Rawalpindi
- April 21: 3rd T20I at Rawalpindi
- April 25: 4th T20I at Lahore
- April 27: 5th T20I at Lahore
Rain Concerns in Rawalpindi:
- The first three matches in Rawalpindi, particularly on April 18 and 20, are at risk of being affected by rain.
- The Weather Channel reports a 60% chance of rain during the day and an 80% chance at night on April 18.
- April 20 also sees a high chance of rain, with an 84% probability, while the forecast for April 21 shows a more favorable 20% chance.
Teams’ Preparation:
- Pakistan’s training session ahead of the series was postponed due to persistent rain.
- New Zealand’s squad arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, gearing up for the series.
- Both teams have assembled in Rawalpindi after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, aiming for a strong start to the series.
Squads:
- Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan
- Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes
Stadiums:
- The matches in Rawalpindi will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds.
- The remaini ng two matches in Lahore will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium, a historic venue with a rich cricketing legacy.
Conclusion:
Despite the weather concerns, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting series between Pakistan and New Zealand. The teams are gearing up for intense competition, and fans will be hoping that the rain gods are kind enough to allow uninterrupted cricketing action.
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