BAN vs NZ 3rd T20I Live: Rain Halts Series Decider in Dhaka

DHAKA: Persistent rain and a sodden outfield have once again played spoilsport in the ongoing Ban vs NZ series. The third and final encounter between Bangladesh and New Zealand is playing at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The match, which serves as a crucial series decider, was interrupted with Bangladesh reaching 50 for 3 after 6.4 overs. The interruption comes as a significant blow to the momentum of the series, following the complete washout of the second T20I in Chattogram earlier this week.

Earlier in the afternoon, New Zealand captain Nick Kelly won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing the overcast conditions and the potential for moisture to assist his seamers. The decision appeared to pay immediate dividends as the Kiwi attack made early inroads into the Bangladeshi top order. 

Ben Sears and Nathan Smith utilized the heavy atmosphere to find movement, leaving the hosts reeling early in the Powerplay. However, just as Bangladesh’s Tawhid Hridoy and Litton Das began to steady the ship and accelerate the scoring, the heavens opened. The umpires were forced to call for the covers with the score at 50/3 after 6.4 overs, as a heavy downpour quickly saturated the square.

Bangladesh currently leads the three-match series 1-0, having secured a dominant victory in the opening game. For the Black Caps, this match represents the final opportunity to level the series, while the hosts are desperate to secure a historic series win on home soil.

Ground staff in Dhaka are currently working against the clock to clear standing water from the outfield. Under DLS calculations, any further delay will significantly alter the run-chase requirements for the visiting New Zealand side.

New Zealand Playing XI for 3rd T20I 

Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears

Bangladesh Playing XI for 3rd T20I 

Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Ripon Mondol, Shoriful Islam