Follow UsFans at The Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui were subjected to major disappointment as persistent rain meant that the second T20I between Australia and New Zealand had to be called off.
Rain initially delayed the toss, but then an 18-over game was fixed between the two sides. More rain meant that the game had to be shortened further, so the two teams then set off for a 9-over clash.
However, only 13 balls could be bowled as rain returned once again, this time heavily. It meant that the match had to be abandoned. Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh, who was on 1* after 5 balls, saw the funny side of it all.
“I was 1 off 5 in a 9-over game and never felt so much pressure in my whole career,” Marsh said at the post-match presentation.
“It was nice to walk off, I was actually about to retire myself (laughs),” said Marsh, who eventually hit a six and ended the game on 9* off 8 balls.
New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell was disappointed with the washout, but he was encouraged by whatever he saw from the ‘improved’ New Zealand bowling unit in 2.1 overs, where they kept Marsh quiet and dismissed Travis Head for 5.
“We wanted to play a game but the weather didn't play ball tonight. We spoke about nailing the plans. Pleasing to see the improvement from couple of days ago,” Bracewell said.
“You want to start well in a 3-match series but had a disappointing start with the loss. You feel for the guys that miss out and you want to give guys opportunities to play. We thought this was the best chance for the conditions we will see what happens tomorrow. We made few adjustments from the first to the second game.”
The third and final T20I will be played tomorrow at the same venue. Since New Zealand will not be able to win the series, Australia have retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy on the back of today’s washout.