That is it, folks! The umpires had a chat with both the skippers, along with the coaches and they have decided that the game cannot continue and the match has been abandoned! The captains shake hands and that is all we have from here. The first and third T20Is have been washed out. A gentle reminder that the series was originally supposed to be off 5 matches but was shortened as the preceding West Indies vs Australia ODI series went post their initial schedule. The 4th and final T20I will be played on 3rd August 2021, at 1100 local (1500 GMT). So do join us for that!
Update 1400 local (1800 GMT) - The umpires just had an inspection and they have just decided that there will be another inspection at 1405 local (1805 GMT). The cut-off time for a 5-over game is 1422 local (1822 GMT). Stay with us.
Update 1347 Local (1747 GMT) - The covers are off! I repeat the covers are off! We still do not have an official update but visuals show that the covers are off. We could get some more official updates soon.
Update 1330 local (1730 GMT) - There is still no update from the ground. It had stopped raining but the ground had taken a beating. The cut-off time for a 5-over game is 1422 local (1822 GMT). The live visuals show that the rain has stopped but the covers are still on. Let's hope that we get some play. Stay with us.
Update 1244 Local (1644 GMT) - The latest tweet from Cricket West Indies shows the umpires having a chat with both the skippers. We should get an update soon. The visuals show that the rain has stopped but the covers are still on with quite a bit of water on them. The ground staff is hard at work trying to get the ground suitable for play.
Fun fact - This is the first time since March 2019 that Chris Gayle has opened in T20Is. Surely, the big man didn't envision his return to the top being spoilt by rain?
Update 1205 Local (1605 GMT) - The live visuals show that the intensity of the rain has reduced. The covers are still on but there are puddles on some parts of the ground. Mohammad Rizwan can be seen walking barefoot on the ground along with Babar Azam.
Update 1145 local (1545 GMT) - There is still no update as it is still raining and the covers are firmly on the pitch. It looks gloomy as well but there is still time when we start to lose overs. Let's hope that the rain clears quickly and we get action as soon as possible. Stay with us.
1122 Local (1522 GMT) - Oops! It has started to pour down there. The covers are called immediately as the players walk off. Hopefully, this is just a passing shower.
In over# 2
6
0
Mohammad Wasim 6/0(0.2)
1.2
6
SIX! DISPATCHED! Good length ball on off, Fletcher stays in his crease and then powers it over long off for a maximum.
1.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Fletcher defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Wasim to start from the other end.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
6
0
Mohammad Hafeez 9/0(1)
0.6
1
A single to end the over! Flatter on middle, Fletcher works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
0.5
1
Full on middle, Gayle pushes it to mid on and takes a quick single. Gayle is off the mark.
0.4
.
Tossed up on middle, Gayle defends it back to the bowler.
0.3
1
Loopy ball on middle, Fletcher dances down the track and then whips it to deep square leg for a single.
0.2
6
SIX! BANG! First six of the game and what a shot from Andre Fletcher! Tossed up on off, Fletcher lifts it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
0.1
.
Floated on off, Fletcher prods and defends it to cover.