Pakistani cricket followers endured a depressing outing on Thursday (April 18) as rain washed out the T20I sequence opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The heavy downpour brought about lots of discomfort to the spectators who had purchased the tickets for the uncovered stands at the venue. While some followers seated in these stands took refuge under giant plastic sheets amid heavy drizzle, the remainder obtained moist fully as that they had nowhere to go.
The rain saved pelting down closely and delayed the beginning of the fixture. It stopped simply earlier than the cut-off time and the bottom workers labored arduous to dry the taking part in space.
Satisfied with the situation of the taking part in space the 2 on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Aleem Dar determined to proceed with a five-over-per-side sport.Â
The New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell gained the toss and determined to set a rating on the board for Pakistan to chase.
However, after hours of delay, the sport was lastly deserted because the rain returned to halt play solely after two deliveries had been bowled and added to the frustration of spectators who endured the rain to get some mouth-watering motion.
Watch the video of the spectators taking shelter under giant sheets of plastic in the course of the first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand:
Meanwhile, the second T20I of the five-match sequence might be performed on Saturday (April 20) at the identical venue and it’s anticipated to appeal to a big crowd as each groups look to draw first blood. Pakistan appear eager on testing their kids early within the sequence.
The Babar Azam-led facet handed debuts to the thriller spinner Abrar Ahmed, pacer Irfan Khan and rising the batting sensation of PSL (Pakistan Super League) 2024, Usman Khan. Mohammad Amir was additionally part of the taking part in XI within the first match however did not get the chance to have a crack at the Kiwis with the ball in hand.
