Second T20I Between New Zealand and Bangladesh Abandoned Due to Rain After 11 Overs
Second T20I Between New Zealand and Bangladesh Abandoned Due to Rain After 11 Overs
Persistent rain in Mount Maunganui had the final say in the second T20I between New Zealand and Bangladesh, forcing the match to be abandoned after just 11 overs. With Bangladesh leading the series 1-0 after their historic win in the opener, momentum was with the Tigers, but the weather gods intervened, leaving both teams frustrated and the series level at 1-1.
The Black Caps, sent into bat by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, got off to a flying start. Finn Allen, after his early dismissal in the first match, looked determined to make amends. He smashed a couple of boundaries before finding Shoriful Islam waiting at cover in the second over. However, Tim Seifert took over the mantle, unleashing a flurry of sixes and fours to race to 43 off just 23 balls. Devon Conway provided able support, and at 72/2 after 11 overs, New Zealand looked set to post a challenging total.
The opener’s stay was aptly described by broadcaster Craig McMillan as “he swung like a rusty gate,” with a couple of fortunate boundaries off slogs adding to New Zealand’s early momentum.
Bangladesh’s excellent defense added to the squeeze on a slick outfield. In the ninth over, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s brilliant catch running behind from cover removed a charging Seifert. Soumya Sarkar was occupied manning long-on down the ground.
But then, the heavens opened. The drizzle quickly escalated into a heavy downpour, driving the players off the field in the 12th over. Despite an hour-long wait, the relentless rain showed no signs of abating, and the umpires were ultimately forced to abandon the match, much to the disappointment of the crowd and both teams.
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Before long, a drizzle intensified and forced the players from the field. Bangladesh would have needed 46 in five overs if there had been a brief DLS-adjusted chase, but those were remote aspirations. The rain continued unabated, intensifying even, and at 9:55 p.m. local time, the umpires called off the game.
The abandonment leaves the series level at 0-1, with the deciding match scheduled for the same venue on Sunday, December 31st. Bangladesh, buoyed by their historic win in the first match, will be looking to secure their first-ever T20I series win in New Zealand. However, the Black Caps, always formidable at home, will be eager to bounce back and reclaim the series lead.
