Pakistan-New Zealand T20I Series Faces Rain Threat
The highly anticipated five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to commence on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, the series is facing a potential threat from inclement weather, with Geo News reporting that Rawalpindi is expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week.
The New Zealand team arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, eager to fine-tune their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. The Kiwis have named experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell as their skipper for the tour, as the majority of their players are currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be led by Babar Azam, who recently regained the captaincy of the white-ball format. The Men in Green will be looking to avenge their 4-1 T20I series defeat against the Blackcaps earlier this year.
The series will also mark the return of star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who have reversed their retirements and made sensational comebacks to the Pakistan squad. Former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the head coach for the series, while Wahab Riaz will serve as the senior team manager.
Both teams have announced their squads for the five-match series:
Pakistan:
* Babar Azam (c)
* Abrar Ahmed
* Azam Khan
* Fakhar Zaman
* Iftikhar Ahmed
* Imad Wasim
* Mohammad Abbas Afridi
* Mohammad Rizwan
* Mohammad Amir
* Irfan Niazi
* Naseem Shah
* Saim Ayub
* Shadab Khan
* Shaheen Afridi
* Usman Khan
* Zaman Khan
* Usama Mir
New Zealand:
* Michael Bracewell (c)
* Tom Blundell
* Mark Chapman
* Josh Clarkson
* Jacob Duffy
* Dean Foxcroft
* Ben Lister
* Cole McConchie
* Zack Fowlkes
* Jimmy Neesham
* Will O’Rourke
* Tim Robinson
* Ben Sears
* Tim Seifert
* Ish Sodhi
With both teams eager to prove their mettle and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the five-match series promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. However, the weather conditions could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the matches.
