PAK vs NZ | Fourth T20I Called Off Due to Rain

image-lgpjhhbmMark Chapman top-scored for New Zealand in a rain-abandoned game (Twitter)

The fourth T20I of the five-march series between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi on Thursday, April 20.

Even before the first innings was completed the rain came down pouring and stopped the match.

The spectators gathered at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium could only watch the action unfold for 18.5 overs before a hailstorm hit the city.

It was supposed to be a cracking game of cricket between Pakistan and New Zealand despite the threat of rain playing a spoilsport looming around. Eventually, on Sunday, the rain had the final say

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss for the third time in the ongoing series against New Zealand and asked the visitors to bat first on a brilliant batting surface. New Zealand openers came out all guns blazing and scored 22 runs in the first two overs. 

Imad Wasim was introduced in the game with the ball in the third over and he made an instant impact by dismissing opposition skipper Tom Latham for 13 runs. The left-arm spinner then removed Will Young to push New Zealand back. Despite losing two wickets, New Zealand managed to score 50 runs in the powerplay- their highest powerplay score so far in the series.

Chad Bowes kept the attack on the hosts and reached his half-century off just 32 balls. The Kiwi openers forged an important fifty run partnership with Mark Chapman as New Zealand reached 100 in the 13th over. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who conceded 27 runs in his first two overs, broke the partnership by removing Bowes for 54. Bowes' wicket had no negative impact on Chapman as he continued on his merry way and displayed the array of shots to smash a scintillating half-century, his fifth in T20Is. 

Rachin Ravindra was the fifth man to depart after scoring eight runs. Right after the fifth wicket, it started raining and the match was stopped. The rain continued to pour down heavily which forced the umpires to call-off the game.

Pakistan are currently leading the series 2-1 and will have to win the last match to seal the series. On the other hand, New Zealand have to win the fifth T20I in order to level the series and share the trophy. The final T20I of the five-match series will be played on Monday, 24 April.