Muabia Laboni: The first match of the One Day International (ODI) series between Bangladesh and New Zealand was marred by rain, leading to a forced abandonment.
The game was scheduled for a night fixture and was declared abandoned at 8:26 PM local time due to persistent rain.
Efforts to start the game within the prescribed rules proved futile as, per regulations, play must commence by 9:06 PM local time, failing which the match is declared abandoned.
Even though the rain stopped after the initial delay, there was not enough time left to play a minimum of 20 overs per side.
As a result, the umpires and match referee decided to call off the game, and it was officially declared abandoned. The match had seen multiple interruptions due to rain earlier, with the final stoppage occurring at 6:42 PM local time.
At that point, New Zealand was struggling at 136 runs for 5 wickets in 33.4 overs, with 8.2 overs left in their innings.
The match had been reduced to 42 overs per side due to a previous rain interruption, as playing the full quota of 50 overs became unfeasible.
The rain had also been a factor before the match was called off, with showers in the vicinity of the pitch and the surrounding area in Dhaka.
Fans were hoping for an exciting encounter, but the rain had the final say in the series opener. Now, attention turns to how the two teams will decide the outcome in the second match, with hopes for better weather.