Bangladesh-New Zealand Series
Bangladesh vs New Zealand first ODI called-off
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Relentless rain has forced to call-off the first ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Mirpur. Before that New Zealand posted 136 for 5 in 33.4 overs.
Bangladeshi bowlers were disciplined and bowled in good channels throughout, keeping the Kiwi batters on their toes.
Will Young and Henry Nicholls' 97-run partnership was the sole bright spot for the visitors. They both kept their cool and batted with courage and commitment.
Mustafizur Rahman (7-27-3) and Nasum Ahmed (8-21-2) have ran the show for the hosts as they shared the five wickets. Unfortunately, only 33.4 overs could be played in this game.
Mustafizur dismissed Finn Allen for nine and Chad Bowes for one in successive overs after play resumed. The rain truncated the game into a 42-overs-a-side contest.
Young and Nicholls repaired the damage, before Mustafizur broke their partnership by trapping Nicholls leg-before for 44.
Left-arm spinner Nasum soon removed Young and Rachin Ravindra to halt New Zealand's progress.
The second downpour was persistent, and it was followed by lightning. Puddles of water accumulated in the outfield, prompting the umpires to make the decision.
The Kiwis are looking to a win in the three match series in Bangladesh in 15 years, having lost all seven matches to the hosts in the last two series in 2010 and 2013.
Lockie Ferguson is leading the Kiwis, who have included only five members of their World Cup squad, the captain himself, fellow pacer Trent Boult, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, spinner Ish Sodhi, and batsman Will Young.
Bangladesh also rested several key players, including regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, and recalled senior campaigner Mahmudullah Riyad and former captain Tamim Iqbal among others.
The second and third ODIs will be held at the same ground on September 23 and 26.
The series will be the last for both teams before the World Cup starts in neighbouring India on October 5.