RAWALPINDI: There were two balls bowled, one of them a peach of a delivery by Shaheen Shah Afridi that hit the middle stump of Tim Robinson. And that was that.

The opening Twenty20 of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand was washed out due to rain here at the Pindi Stadium on Thursday, the game ending almost as soon as it began after after a nearly three-hour delay, and after it had been reduced to a five-over match.

The fans, who braved the incessant downpour, did get something to cheer about though; the moment coming when Shaheen showing a return to his former self by sending back Robinson with a ball that swung back late as the right-hander attempted to swat away Pakistan’s pace spearhead.

The rain had delayed the toss by 30 minutes, and after it eventually took place with New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell opting to bat first, the downpour returned just when Shaheen took his mark to bowl the first ball.

It kept pouring down for the next hour and a half and just at the cut-off time, the umpires decided that it would be a five-over affair. However, all that could ensue on the pitch was Shaheen’s moment of brilliance.

Earlier, Pakistan, with Babar Azam returning as captain, had awarded international caps to batters Usman Khan and Irfan Khan Niazi, while Mohammad Amir — who had rescinded his retirement last month — was also to play his first match for the side after nearly four years.

The team selection suggested Pakistan were aiming to test their bench strength with the series being the start of their build-up to the T20 World Cup, which is set to be held in the United States and the West Indies in June.

According to the line-up, Babar was to open the batting with explosive sensation Saim Ayub, while the former’s long-time opening partner Mohammad Rizwan was pushed down to number three.

Usman’s inclusion meant experienced batter Fakhar Zaman was also left out. Imad Wasim, who had also called his retirement off along with Amir, also was not included.

Pakistan may have named wicket-keeper Azam Khan in the eleven, but the pinch-hitter was left out due to an injury.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Azam experienced discomfort in his right knee and calf muscle while batting in the nets during a training session on the eve of the match.

The PCB said the right-hander promptly received medical attention and treatment. Azam, 25, is currently under the care of the medical team, and a decision regarding his participation in the upcoming T20 matches against New Zealand will be made pending the results of radiology reports, the board added.

The next two matches will be played at the same venue on Saturday and Sunday, before the series moves to Lahore for the last two games. The series will be followed by Pakistan’s tour to Ireland and England for T20Is, before the side travels to Dallas for their first World Cup game.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2024