Published: Jan 28, 2016, 11:51 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 28, 2016, 12:05 PM (IST)
The second One-Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Pakistan at Napier has been abandoned due to a combination of rain and wet outfield. The players and the umpires did not even come out for the toss. It was raining throughout the day at Napier and as a result the water collected in the ground could not be drained out before the cut-off time. The match could have been a 20-over affair had it started before the cut-off time, but they ground staff, despite their best of efforts were unable to clear the water from the ground. New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0, courtesy of their 70-run win in the first match at Wellington. The two teams will square off for the final time on this tour in the third ODI, set to be played at Auckland on Sunday. FULL SCORECARD: Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd ODI at Napier
New Zealand will hope that they can win at Auckland and wrap up the series, which will give them the confidence going into the Australia series. They have been on a roll of late at home, having beaten Sri Lanka in the ODI and T20I series recently. They also beat Pakistan in the T20I series, ahead of the ODI series. Pakistan have put u a good fight on this tour so far, but have finished second best. They will look to turn things around in the final match. Full updates: Pakistan vs New Zealand 2015-16, 2nd ODI at Napier
Brendon McCullum is scheduled to return from injury to lead the side in the third ODI. Kane Williamson was in charge until now. McCullum will look to get a game under his belt, before Australia visit their shores in a few days time. Pakistan next big tournament after the match in Sunday is the Asia Cup T20 2016,which will begin from February 24. They face arch-rivals India in their first match.
New Zealand on the other hand will prepare for their three-match ODI and two-Test series against Australia, which will be McCullum’s last two series as a New Zealand player.
