Anticipated rain could hinder Pakistan-New Zealand T20I series

After New Zealand battered Pakistan by a domineering margin of 4-1 in the five-match T20I series which occurred in January this year, the reverse leg to be played in Pakistan was a series which was highly anticipated to commence, particularly in light of the T20 World Cup to commence in June.

However, according to a report from Geo News, rain threatens to put a damper on the five-match T20I series, a series in which all five T20Is are slated to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. As per Geo News, the city is expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms on Tuesday, and these weather patterns are predicted to continue throughout the week, with the first T20I scheduled for 18th April.

Also Read: Lahore Commissioner assures top-notch security for New Zealand T20Is amid festival rush

The Kiwis arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, with the Black Caps to be led by experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell. The batting all-rounder, who's played 135 T20s, has only recently returned to domestic duties post injury concerns which included a ruptured Achilles and a broken finger. Notably, the games against Pakistan will be Bracewell's first after March 2023.

Major reinforcements in Pakistan camp ahead of T20I series against New Zealand

Star batter Babar Azam, who was recently reinstated the reins of captaincy in the white-ball format from Shaheen Shah Afridi, will be leading Pakistan. Unforeseen reversals of retirements were witnessed with left-armers Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim making dramatic comebacks after they were picked up in the 17-member squad for the T20I series.

Also Read: 'RIP Pakistan domestic cricket' - Mohammad Hafeez takes dig at Imad Wasim, Mohd Amir's inclusion in national squad

As far as the team management is concerned, former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been named as the head coach for the series before Gary Kirsten takes over the white-ball helm after the completion of his duties with the Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL season, with Wahab Riaz as the senior team manager. Mohammad Yousuf has been named the batting coach, with former off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, continuing with the role of spin bowling coach, having held the same position on Pakistan's preceding tours of Australia and New Zealand.