New Zealand vs Bangladesh: Rain Plays Spoilsport in Mount Maunganui, Abandoning 2nd T20I. Series Tantalizingly Poised at 1-0 Ahead of Decider. With Mount Maunganui basking under the summer sun, a packed Bay Oval was primed for a fiery encounter. However, ominous dark clouds loomed large, and fate took its course in the 11th over, forcing the umpires to call off the match with New Zealand at 72/2.
Seifert Sizzles Before Rain Interrupts
New Zealand opener Tim Seifert provided the early fireworks, smashing 43 off just 23 balls, including six fours and a six. His aggressive intent put the Black Caps on the front foot, but Bangladesh bowlers clawed back, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib picking up two crucial wickets.
Bangladesh Holds Firm
With Shakib Al Hasan leading the bowling attack with his usual guile, the Tigers began to restrict the Kiwi batsmen. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips struggled to find their rhythm, and with rain becoming increasingly persistent, the inevitable happened.
Series Poised for a Thrilling Finish
Bangladesh’s narrow victory in the first T20I gave them the early advantage, but the rain-affected washout kept the series wide open. Both teams will now head to Napier for the showdown on December 31st, where the winner will take home the coveted trophy.
Quotes
- Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain: “Obviously disappointed that the rain played spoilsport, but it’s part of the game. We look forward to coming back strong in Napier and leveling the series.”
- Mahmudullah, Bangladesh captain: “It’s a shame the game couldn’t be completed, but the weather is something we can’t control. We’re confident heading into the decider, and we’ll be looking to seal the series.”
New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I due to weather conditions
New Zealand innings
- Tim Seifert: 43 (23 balls, 6×4, 1×6)
- Daryl Mitchell: 18 (24 balls)
- Glenn Phillips: 9 (14 balls)
- Adam Milne: 0* (1 ball)
- Extras: 0
Bowling
- Shakib Al Hasan: 2-16 (3 overs)
- Mustafizur Rahman: 0-16 (2 overs)
- Hasan Mahmud: 0-15 (2 overs)
- Ebadot Hossain: 0-10 (3 overs)
Bangladesh innings
- Not started
key moments you might be interested in
New Zealand Batting Highlights
- Tim Seifert’s blazing innings: Watch out for a compilation of Seifert’s aggressive batting, featuring his six fours and one six in his quickfire 43 off just 23 balls. Look for his powerful drives and precise cuts that got the Bay Oval crowd excited.
- Daryl Mitchell’s gritty effort: Witness Mitchell’s determined innings despite struggling for timing. Notice his composure while facing the Bangladesh bowlers and his attempts to anchor the innings.
Bangladesh Bowling Highlights
- Shakib Al Hasan’s masterful spell: Look for footage of Shakib’s accurate and economical bowling, especially his two key wickets. Observe his variations and clever use of spin to restrict the New Zealand scoring.
- Early breakthroughs: Don’t miss replays of the wickets taken by Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud that put New Zealand on the back foot in the first few overs.
Miscellaneous Highlights
- Seifert’s helmet hit: See the replay of Seifert getting hit on the helmet by a Mitchell drive just after being struck on the pads. Notice his resilience and composure as he continued to bat after being checked by the physio.
- Rain interruption: Watch how the initially bright skies over the Bay Oval quickly deteriorated, forcing the umpires to abandon the match mid-innings.
Match Lineups: New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I
New Zealand
Finn Allen (c)
Tim Seifert (wk)
Daryl Mitchell
Glenn Phillips
Mark Chapman
James Neesham
Mitchell Santner (c)
Adam Milne
Tim Southee
Ish Sodhi
Ben Sears
Bangladesh
Soumya Sarkar
Rony Talukdar (wk)
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
Shamim Hossain
Towhid Hridoy
Afif Hossain
Mahedi Hasan Miraz
Mustafizur Rahman
Shoriful Islam
Rishad Hossain
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
