2nd Test washed out, series drawn
Bangladesh gain six ICC rating points
Sports Reporter
The second Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa was abandoned yesterday after play was called off on the fifth and final day following heavy rains over the last few days that rendered the outfield wet at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
After the first days play, the rains disrupted three straight days, forcing the umpires to abandon the match 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the final day.
Despite the sunny weather on the fifth morning, match officials ruled the outfield unfit for play. There were many wet patches in the outfield that were not covered. The unrelenting rain in the last three days adversely affected the ground condition despite a good drainage system.
This is the third Test match this season that got rained out. The one-off Test against India in June was rained out after the second day got completely washed out and the remaining three days were affected by heavy showers.
The first Test against South Africa in Chittagong too was marred by rains when the fourth and fifth days play got washed out.
The outfield was not fit for cricket. It would have taken four to five hours to get it ready, which did not make sense on the last day. So we took the decision to call off play, said umpires Richard Kettleborough and Paul Reiffel. The Chittagong ground drained well, but the Mirpur ground didnt get any breaks from the rains.
The outcome once again raised questions whether Test matches should be hosted in Bangladesh around this time of the year. We have nothing to do here. From what I know, the big teams got the slot to play in this season against Bangladesh. Normally, we dont play in this season, but what I have understood is that the cyclone (Komen) caused the most damage. Otherwise, the weather wasnt too bad, said the home team captain, Mushfiqur Rahim
The drawn series, however, wont have any impact on the ICC rankings of both the teams. Though, according to an ICC press release, South Africa lost five rating points, while Bangladesh, ranked ninth, gained six rating points. South Africa now has 125 rating points and continues to occupy the top spot, while Bangladesh has 47 points.
Bangladesh were 246 for 8 in their first innings with captain, Mushfiqur Rahim, topping the scorecard with 65 runs on the first day before the rain set in.
Mushfiqurs 94-run partnership with Mahmudullah Riyad, the best fourth wicket partnership against South Africa, kept the side rolling until they lost five wickets for 92 runs in the last session of the days play. Mushfiqurs dismissal in the post-tea session sparked a collapse as Bangladesh lost four wickets for 31 runs. Mushfiqur, who got his first Test 50 after 12 innings, was adjudged Man of the Match.
Mominul Haque scored 40, while Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad made 35 runs each.
South African fast bowler, Dale Steyn, who reached the landmark of 400 wickets by claiming the wicket of Tamim Iqbal early in the morning session ended with three for 30. Part time off-spinner, JP Duminy, also took three wickets giving away 27 runs. Morne Morkel and Dean Elgar picked up a wicket apiece.
Dale Steyn was adjudged Man of the Series for his six wickets in rain-affected two Tests.
