Shaheen Afridi castles Tim Robinson with a ripper in PAK vs NZ 1st T20I

The much-anticipated first T20I of the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand faced an unfortunate washout due to heavy rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Despite the disappointment of the match being called off, the small crowd present at the stadium was treated to a moment of exceptional cricketing brilliance before the weather intervened.

Shaheen Afridi’s Early Strike

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi provided a glimpse of his exceptional skill in the very first over of the match. With a perfectly swinging delivery, Afridi rattled New Zealand opener Tim Robinson’s stumps, showcasing his formidable prowess with the ball. Robinson completely misjudged the line, resulting in his middle stump being uprooted.

This was the only significant action fans got to witness as rain quickly returned, leading to the abandonment of the match after just two deliveries.

Babar Azam’s Return as Pakistan Captain

The series opener in Rawalpindi marked the much-anticipated return of Babar Azam as Pakistan’s captain. The match also saw the international debuts of Usman Khan and Irfan Khan Niazi, signaling Pakistan’s commitment to exploring new talent and building a strong squad ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled for June in the United States and the West Indies.

Moreover, the team selection offered insights into Pakistan’s potential strategy and approach. Mohammad Amir, who recently reversed his retirement decision, was set to make his first appearance for Pakistan in nearly four years. His return added a new dimension to the team’s bowling attack.

Changes in Batting Order

Pakistan’s team lineup for the series opener indicated a shift in their batting order, with captain Babar Azam taking on the opening role alongside Saim Ayub. This adjustment pushed long-time partner Mohammad Rizwan down to number three in the order.

Usman Khan’s inclusion also meant experienced batsman Fakhar Zaman was left out of the starting XI. Similarly, another recently un-retired player, Imad Wasim, was not included in the playing XI, suggesting Pakistan’s strategic experimentation and exploration of new combinations.

Looking Forward

Despite the disappointment of the washout, the series holds promise for fans and players alike. As the series progresses, there will be ample opportunities for Pakistan to showcase their depth and for players to establish themselves in the international arena.

Pakistan and New Zealand will be eager to put this washout behind them and focus on the remaining matches of the series. Fans can anticipate more intense battles on the cricket field as both teams aim to gain momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup.