The first T20 match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was washed out on Thursday. Players returned to the pavilion after the match was resumed. Only two balls could be bowled.

The depleted Black Caps side is being led by Michael Bracewell. The five-match series is a booster for both sides who will be playing the T20 World Cup in June.

At least three players from Pakistan were making their debut in the match, including right-handed batter Usman Khan, right-arm leg spinner Abrar Ahmed, and right-handed batter Irfan Khan.

Mohammad Amir, who recently took back his retirement, joined Pakistan’s pace battery. He joined left-arm fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for the match.

Pakistan suffered major upheaval following their first-round exit from the one-day World Cup last year.

Azam stepped down as captain in all three formats and head coach Mickey Arthur left along with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf.

Mohsin Naqvi, the country’s interior minister, took up the board’s top post and reorganised the selection committee, paving the way for batsman Azam’s return.

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spinning all-rounder Imad Wasim also return to international cricket in this series after coming out of retirement.