The second T20 International (T20I) cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place today in Rawalpindi, with the weather forecast indicating clear and sunny conditions. 

This follows the cancellation of the first match of the series at the same venue on Thursday due to persistent rain.

While rain continued to fall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday with intermittent breaks, head groundsman Sarfraz Ahmad expressed optimism about the improvement of weather conditions by early Saturday morning. Ahmad noted that his team had been actively working to clear the field and protect the pitch from water damage.

“We kept ourselves busy throughout the day. When rain stops we make best efforts to clear the field or at least clear the water from above the covers. This way chances of water creeping through the covers into the square or pitches are remote," Ahmad said.

"I hope that things will improve drastically by early Saturday morning. What we need is a good few dry hours to make the things ready for timely start of the second T20 international,” he further added.

Pakistan is expected to field the same playing XI as initially planned for Thursday's match, according to a team official. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, the squad will likely remain unchanged for today's match.