The 2nd T20 cricket match between Bangladesh and New Zealand is presently being delayed by rain.
A few days previously, Bangladesh took the first match of the three-match series by six wickets. The final score was 183/4 to 182/6.
Elsewhere in the world of sports, the NBA playoffs roll on. In those playoffs, the Toronto Raptors are keeping their championship hopes alive against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The New York Knicks recently had a celebrity row attend their game, with some viral results.
In the world of cricket, the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took over the Orange Cap Leaderboard in the Rajasthan Royals‘ victory over the previously unbeaten Punjab Kings. The 15-year-old has been astonishing cricket pundits and fans for the entire tournament.
Here are the latest rain-delay updates, some predictions, and the full player squads for each side.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand 2nd T20 Cricket Match: Rain Delay Update
MATCH ABANDONED: Unfortunately for New Zealand, the match has officially been abandoned. The pressure will be on the Black Caps when the two squads lock horns for the third and final match on May 1st.
This is a grim decision for New Zealand, but works in Bangladesh’s favor.
9:55 GMT Update: It continues to rain, with not a single soul on the ground. The chances of a match being played are very slim.
*10:50 GMT is the cut-off time to start a 5-over match between the two sides.
9 AM GMT Update: The Rain covers are still on the pitch while the ground staff makes sure the outfield is safe.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand Match Predictions
Considering how much the weather is playing a factor right now, anyone who placed bets on the match being rained out is likely to cash in those bets. However, anticipating an abandoned match every time a team plays is no fun for the fans.
For this match, Oddschecker heavily favors Bangladesh.
“The larger history also favors Bangladesh in current conditions,” writes the outlet. “Home surfaces, recent series form, and the confidence of chasing 183 with room to spare all point toward the Tigers holding the edge again. Rain is one possible disruptor, but if they get a clean enough game, Bangladesh looks better equipped both to absorb pressure and to close out key phases with the bat.”
Additionally, CricTracker’s pitch report suggests that this stadium is equally advantageous for both bowlers and batters.
“The pitch at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium is generally considered a balanced surface,” CricTracker writes. “Offering something for both batters and bowlers. In the previous game, both teams found success with the bat, but chasing appeared relatively easier under the conditions. Given this trend, the toss could once again play an important role, with teams likely preferring to bowl first.”
“Overall, the conditions suggest a closely contested match, with neither side holding a clear advantage.”
Bangladesh vs New Zealand: 2nd T20 Cricket Match Squad List
Here is the full list of the squads for Bangladesh vs New Zealand.
Bangladesh Squad
- Nurul Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Litton Das, Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Tawhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, Tanzid Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ripon Mondol, and Abdul Saqlain.
New Zealand Squad
- Tom Latham, Ish Sodhi, Dane Cleaver, Blair Tickner, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ben Lister, Katene Clarke, Matthew Fisher, Jayden Lennox, Tim Robinson, Muhammad Abbas, and Bevon Jacobs.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20 2nd Match: Grim Rain Delay Decision