NZ v BAN, 2nd Test, Day 3 Review: Rain ruins play as both sides on even keel

The 3rd day’s play received a major blow as both the sides watched the clouds hover around with persistent rain playing spoilsport. The play was set to start as early as 10:30 am local time today, but after a complete show of mopping in the morning and afternoon session, umpires NJ Llong and PR Reiffel called off the day’s action at 4 pm local time.

The visitors upped the paddle with an impressive show yesterday as Bangladesh bowlers countered Kiwi’s assault with impressive bowling. Experienced All-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan bagged three quick wickets (3/32) while Kamrul Islam Rabbi (2/48) jolted the hosts with two wickets in his first over to counter Ross Taylor’s aggressive 77 and opener Tom Latham’s composed 68, as New Zealand looked settled at one stage with their total at 153/2.

Even after frequent interruptions over the first two day’s of play coupled with poor over rate and a complete washout today, a result still looks possible with 17 wickets falling over the last two days, giving some sort of hope to both the sides.

New Zealand are currently trailing Bangladesh by 29 runs, with Henry Nicholls at the crease, batting on 56 along with Tim Southee.  The hosts will look to go past Bangladesh’s total of 289 and then build a decent lead which will allow them to have a go at Tamim’s men with about 190 odd overs still to play.

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On the other hand, the first hour of tomorrow’s play will be very crucial for the visitors, as they will look to restrict the hosts for minimum, giving them a psychological edge over New Zealand. A solid batting in the second innings will put Bangladesh in a pole position, as they can then rely on their bowlers to do the job and level the series. The weather forecast looks fairly good for tomorrow, with the sunny side expected to be up and wind around.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh: 289 all out

New Zealand: 260/7 (R Taylor 77; Shakib 3/32)