2nd T20: Bangladesh vs New Zealand called off due to rain
Chattogram, April 29
Heavy rain and thunderstorms forced the second T20I between Bangladesh and New Zealand to be abandoned without a single ball bowled, as the covers remained firmly in place throughout the day in Chattogram on Wednesday.
As a result, Bangladesh retained their 1-0 lead in the three-match series following their win in the opening game.
Parts of Chattogram are also affected by flooding due to the incessant rain over the last few days, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Both Bangladesh and New Zealand arrived at the ground on Wednesday afternoon, with some players participating in indoor net sessions. However, that was the only action possible, as the weather conditions prevented any play outside.
The two teams will head back to Dhaka on Thursday to play the third T20I on May 2. Bangladesh won the first T20I in Chattogram on April 27 by six wickets, chasing down 182 for 6 set by New Zealand. Despite fifties from Katene Clarke and Dane Cleaver, Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 77 for 3 after ten overs.
However, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, and Parvez Hossain Emon came together to guide the team home with two overs to spare, securing Bangladesh's highest-ever successful chase in T20Is on home soil.
Squads:New Zealand Squad: Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver(w), Nick Kelly(c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Matthew Fisher, Ben Lister, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears, Blair Tickner, Tom Latham.
Bangladesh Squad: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das(w/c), Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Ripon Mondol, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed, Nurul Hasan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
With floods in parts of Chattogram, cricket rightly takes a backseat. The players couldn't even practice outside—safety first, aur baad mein matches honge. Bangladesh's bowling attack needs to step up though; we let New Zealand score 182 in the first game despite early wickets. Dhaka pitch might help spinners like Mahedi Hasan more.
From a neutral perspective, it's a shame for New Zealand. They fought hard in the first T20 with Clarke and Cleaver scoring fifties, but Bangladesh's chase was clinical. This rain-out gives the visitors a chance to regroup—maybe Tom Latham's experience in subcontinent conditions could be a factor in the third game. Let's see if the weather in Dhaka cooperates!
Honestly, Bangladesh needs to work on their powerplay batting! In the first T20, we were 77/3 at the halfway mark—too many wickets lost early. Hridoy and Emon bailed us out, but against stronger teams like India or Australia, that could be dangerous. Young talents are promising, but consistency is key. 🌧️ Rain saved us from a potential series squaring!
As someone who follows international cricket closely, I feel for the players. Both teams arrived at the ground hoping for some action, and indoor nets are no substitute for match practice. New Zealand's young squad like Bevon Jacobs and Dean Foxcroft missed a valuable opportunity to gain experience. The third T20 could be a decider now!
Ek baar toh weather ne saath diya
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