Rain likely to play spoilsport during Pakistan, New Zealand series

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan team looks to take on New Zealand in the upcoming home series set to commence on April 18, rain is likely to play spoilsport in at least three of the five T20I matches. 

The city is likely to witness thunderstorms and rainfall tomorrow, with the downpour expected to continue throughout the week. Also the rain is expected on April 18, 20 and 21 — the fixtures of the three matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, the rest of the two matches will be played in Lahore on April 25 and 27.

A day earlier Michael Bracewell-led Black Caps's squad reached Islamabad in the early hours of Sunday morning ahead of the series against Green Shirts.

ALso, the Pakistan team's practice session scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow) is likely to be cancelled due to expected downpour.

The development comes as Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh have witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall in recent days.

Rains, thunderstorms, and dusty winds have affected almost the entire Balochistan and some parts of Punjab. Quetta also received heavy rainfall, breaking the spell of blistering weather and turning the weather pleasant.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted "rain-windstorm/thunderstorm with an isolated hailstorm" in various areas across Pakistan including KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab, Balochistan and upper/southwest Sindh on April 18.

Meanwhile, on April 20, the Met Office forecasted rain in KP, the federal capital, Punjab, northeast Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.