Persistent rain washed out the second Twenty20 International between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Chattogram on Wednesday, leaving the hosts 1-0 ahead in the three-match series with one game remaining.
Continuous showers throughout the day at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium prevented any play, forcing officials to abandon the match without a ball being bowled. Even the toss could not take place as wet conditions and a saturated outfield made the ground unfit for cricket.
The abandonment means Bangladesh remain in control of the series after their six-wicket victory in the opening match. The home side now need only avoid defeat in the final game to secure the series, while New Zealand must win to level the contest.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said spectators who purchased tickets online would receive refunds in accordance with its ticketing policy.
Wednesday's washout was a disappointment for fans in Chattogram, where anticipation had been high following Bangladesh's strong start to the series. The coastal city has experienced heavy rain in recent days, with poor weather forecast ahead of the match proving accurate.
Bangladesh had entered the second game hoping to wrap up the series on home soil, buoyed by their convincing performance in the opener. Their bowlers had set up that win before the batters completed the chase with six wickets to spare.
New Zealand, led by a depleted squad missing several senior players, were aiming to bounce back and force a decider. The visitors have brought a youthful side for the tour, with a number of fringe players seeking to impress in unfamiliar subcontinental conditions.
Attention now turns to the third and final T20I, scheduled for May 2 in Dhaka, where the series will be decided unless Bangladesh avoid defeat.
The final match is expected to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital, a venue where Bangladesh have often enjoyed strong support and familiar conditions.
For Bangladesh, victory in Dhaka would underline their growing consistency in home conditions and continue recent momentum in the shortest format. For New Zealand, the finale offers one last opportunity to salvage the series and test the depth of their emerging squad.
After a day lost entirely to the weather in Chattogram, both teams will hope for clearer skies in Dhaka and a fitting conclusion to the short series.
