Rain washes out third T20I against Bangladesh as Pakistan retain number 1 T20I ranking

[MenInG]

Pakistan have already taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series against Bangladesh, but will want to complete the sweep with a win in the third T20I in Lahore on Monday, 27 January.

Overview

Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Sunday, 27 January; 2pm local, 9am GMT

Pakistan, who fielded the same XI in the first two matches, might want to test their bench strength in the final game. Teenager Muhammad Musa might get a look in, while one of Amad Butt and Usman Qadir might be handed an international debut.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, might be tempted to bring in the experience of Rubel Hussain, after conceding a nine-wicket victory to Pakistan on Saturday. Middle-order batter Najmul Hossain Shanto, who impressed in the Bangladesh Premier League, might also be considered for the final T20I.

Remember the last time

A masterful 66* from Babar Azam, the No.1 batsman in the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Rankings, helped Pakistan chase down the 137-run target with nine wickets and 3.2 overs to spare. Mohammad Hafeez was excellent as well, registering a 49-ball 67* after walking in to bat in the second over. The duo navigated Bangladesh's bowling attack expertly, taking the hosts to a memorable series victory in Lahore.

While Bangladesh struggled to put on a big score, Tamim Iqbal impressed with a 53-ball 65 at the top of the order. He looked set to get a big score, but was run out in the 18th over. The visitors will hope for more contribution from experienced batters such as Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar and skipper Mahmudullah in the third game. None of them have crossed the 20-run mark in the series so far.

What they said

Babar Azam, Pakistan captain: "Youngsters have done well in this series and that is important as we want more options for the T20 World Cup. We would like to give chance to players sitting on the bench in the final game."

Mahmudullah, Bangladesh captain: "We are disappointed to lose the game and series. We didn't apply ourselves to get 150-160. Apart from Tamim, none of us batted well."

Conditions

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has had a slight grass cover on the pitch in both games, and batting hasn't been easy, particularly for the side batting first. The 200-run mark has never been breached at this venue in T20I cricket. Showers are expected in Lahore in the afternoon.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1589374

 

[asifkhan]

Weather Forecast for today's match

Pakistan have already taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series against Bangladesh, but will want to complete the sweep with a win in the third T20I in Lahore on Monday, 27 January.

Overview

Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Sunday, 27 January; 2pm local, 9am GMT

Pakistan, who fielded the same XI in the first two matches, might want to test their bench strength in the final game. Teenager Muhammad Musa might get a look in, while one of Amad Butt and Usman Qadir might be handed an international debut.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, might be tempted to bring in the experience of Rubel Hussain, after conceding a nine-wicket victory to Pakistan on Saturday. Middle-order batter Najmul Hossain Shanto, who impressed in the Bangladesh Premier League, might also be considered for the final T20I.

Remember the last time

A masterful 66* from Babar Azam, the No.1 batsman in the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Rankings, helped Pakistan chase down the 137-run target with nine wickets and 3.2 overs to spare. Mohammad Hafeez was excellent as well, registering a 49-ball 67* after walking in to bat in the second over. The duo navigated Bangladesh's bowling attack expertly, taking the hosts to a memorable series victory in Lahore.

While Bangladesh struggled to put on a big score, Tamim Iqbal impressed with a 53-ball 65 at the top of the order. He looked set to get a big score, but was run out in the 18th over. The visitors will hope for more contribution from experienced batters such as Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar and skipper Mahmudullah in the third game. None of them have crossed the 20-run mark in the series so far.

What they said

Babar Azam, Pakistan captain: "Youngsters have done well in this series and that is important as we want more options for the T20 World Cup. We would like to give chance to players sitting on the bench in the final game."

Mahmudullah, Bangladesh captain: "We are disappointed to lose the game and series. We didn't apply ourselves to get 150-160. Apart from Tamim, none of us batted well."

Conditions

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has had a slight grass cover on the pitch in both games, and batting hasn't been easy, particularly for the side batting first. The 200-run mark has never been breached at this venue in T20I cricket. Showers are expected in Lahore in the afternoon.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1589374

I have read that there is rain forecast for today's match? Anyone in Lahore who can update us on weather conditions there at present?

 

[uberkoen]

Rain forecasted around 4pm in Lahore

 

[MenInG]

Leave the rain out for now.

Lets see if Pak can get a decent scoring rate if they bat first

 

[Hyperion66]

BD needs to win today, hoping for a closely fought game.

 

[asifkhan]

It appears batting 2nd would be a wise option if it's going to be a rain affected game as team batting 2nd gets an advantage of revised target.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Should bat first.

BD’s just gonna make the match boring if they bat first

 

[ARK Rafay]

Should bat first.

BD’s just gonna make the match boring if they bat first

Agree. It's going to be a repeat of 1st and 2nd T20I

 

[Deewana Mastana]

It is a bit bizarre as to why they did not even have a single D/N game. Starting at 2pm when a lot of people are still working, 6pm start could have been better with a bit bigger crowd from the start.

Unless it is due to the bad weather in Lahore.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

It is a bit bizarre as to why they did not even have a single D/N game. Starting at 2pm when a lot of people are still working, 6pm start could have been better with a bit bigger crowd from the start.

Unless it is due to the bad weather in Lahore.

It’s easier to manage security in day light as opposed to poor visibility of the night time.

 

[NoBallZombie]

Is it raining heavily in lahore? What is the expected start time?

 

[ARK Rafay]

It’s easier to manage security in day light as opposed to poor visibility of the night time.

This can't be happening again. Next time when an international team tours in Limited Overs game they should arrange D/N games.

 

[Hawkeye]

Washout.

You can't expect Pak grounds to remain dry and be drained in time, even after a short drizzle.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

This can't be happening again. Next time when an international team tours in Limited Overs game they should arrange D/N games.

To be frank, Pakistani stadiums look miserable at night time. You can’t even see the fans under the dark shades of stands.

 

[ahsan17]

It’s easier to manage security in day light as opposed to poor visibility of the night time.

Haven't most T20 played in Pakistan in the last 2-3 years been day-nighters? This has got to do with dew and that it gets cold at night.

 

[Shafi]

Most likely the match will be abandoned.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Haven't most T20 played in Pakistan in the last 2-3 years been day-nighters? This has got to do with dew and that it gets cold at night.

True. But I’m sure BCB probably asked PCB to take extra precautions and PCB came up with this solution.

 

[shah_1]

Looks lika a washout

 

[Shafi]

PCB needs to spend money on ground equipment to dry the pitch faster instead of using helicopter.

 

[Heisenberg111]

Will Pakistan lose no.1 ranking if its a washout ?

 

[imshally81]

Any update on rain?

 

[Hawkeye]

True. But I’m sure BCB probably asked PCB to take extra precautions and PCB came up with this solution.

No. You're just posting wild guesses out of ignorance.

 

[szrana]

Will Pakistan lose no.1 ranking if its a washout ?

I think so, as we are currently only 1 point ahead of Australia.

 

[Shafi]

Will it be rain whole evening? What is the weather forecast?

 

[Mesozoic]

I think so, as we are currently only 1 point ahead of Australia.

Don't think it works like that. You lose points only if you lose a game not when it gets washed out. So, until Aus wins a game , Pak will be no.1.

 

[Shafi]

Some website saying rain until 6 pm or some saying until 3 pm.I think our grounds men are too unskilled to make the ground ready for the day even if there is 1 hour of rain.

 

[szrana]

Don't think it works like that. You lose points only if you lose a game not when it gets washed out. So, until Aus wins a game , Pak will be no.1.

I thought Pakistan had to win the series 3-0 to remain no.1

 

[Abdullah719]

I thought Pakistan had to win the series 3-0 to remain no.1

Not if a game is washed out, I believe. Ranking points don't change for abandoned matches.

 

[sweep_shot]

Looks like this game may get washed out.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

No. You're just posting wild guesses out of ignorance.

I’m just posting what I think. Don’t need to get your nickers twisted on it.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Even if rain stops right now, the outfield will be wet and the conditions won't let the game happen today.

 

[Omer Baloch]

Tensports showing Pak vs SA series highlights, And I'm already missing Hasan Ali's batting. He can be a very good slogger for us.

 

[Shafi]

The match has been called off

Poor planning from PCB. They could have change the schedule or choose different venue

 

[Hawkeye]

Match abandoned.

Small pools and puddles already formed on the field. Welcome to the 80s and 90s.

 

[Hawkeye]

The match has been called off

Poor planning from PCB. They could have change the schedule or choose different venue

You have to slit your wrists and blame someone at any cost. How can PCB change the venue at the last minute? What sports change venues on the last day? And how can they predict the weather on a particular day one month in advance?

Should really think before posting.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Have they left yet for Bangladesh then?

Also Haris Rauf will need to fly out to Australia, should have flown out today lol

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan players at the GSL

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[Shafi]

You have to slit your wrists and blame someone at any cost. How can PCB change the venue at the last minute? What sports change venues on the last day? And how can they predict the weather on a particular day one month in advance?

Should really think before posting.

Are you really that behind? You sound like people from 70s or 60s. Now a days you can get weather forecast months ahead. I didn't say to change in the last minute. They can re-arrange the schedule least 2 weeks ago before the tour.

 

[Shafi]

I’m just posting what I think. Don’t need to get your nickers twisted on it.

This guy has lack of manner unfortunately. He takes everything as personal.

 

[PakPremi]

why do winnable matches for Pak get washed out (thinking of last world cup vs sri lanka)

 

[Hawkeye]

Are you really that behind? You sound like people from 70s or 60s. Now a days you can get weather forecast months ahead. I didn't say to change in the last minute. They can re-arrange the schedule least 2 weeks ago before the tour.

No. Why would they change the venue last minute? 2 and 1 weeks ago is also last minute. Who changes venues like that? Give me any example where it happens regularly in cricket.

You think it's easy? How about thousands of tickets sold? Hotels booked? Logistics? Security? Travel?

Think with logic. Rain is also a 'prediction', it was 50% prediction yesterday.

 

[Shafi]

No. Why would they change the venue last minute? 2 and 1 weeks ago is also last minute. Who changes venues like that? Give me any example where it happens regularly in cricket.

You think it's easy? How about thousands of tickets sold? Hotels booked? Logistics? Security? Travel?

Think with logic. Rain is also a 'prediction', it was 50% prediction yesterday.

They started selling tickets only a week ago. They could be pro active 2 weeks ago and give the program to Bangladesh rather than wait for their response otherwise they could play a week later.

 

[Slim]

Bangladesh got saved from another spanking. No worries though as we retained the number 1 ranking.

 

[MenInG]

Victorious Pakistan side

 

[Markhor]

So rain means Khushdil Shah and Amad Butt never got a game.

But not to worry, at least in the first T20s we were able to play youngsters Hafeez and Malik back in form. Hopefully they'll have long and productive international careers.

I mean we just HAD to go full strength vs a Bangladesh side missing two of its best players in such an important bilateral series.

What a joke of a team management.

 

[ARK Rafay]

So rain means Khushdil Shah and Amad Butt never got a game.

But not to worry, at least in the first T20s we were able to play youngsters Hafeez and Malik back in form. Hopefully they'll have long and productive international careers.

I mean we just HAD to go full strength vs a Bangladesh side missing two of its best players in such an important bilateral series.

What a joke of a team management.

Khshdil, Amad and Qadir will probably be forgotten after the PSL because there Misbah will find someone special who performed in the PSL Final then.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Are you really that behind? You sound like people from 70s or 60s. Now a days you can get weather forecast months ahead. I didn't say to change in the last minute. They can re-arrange the schedule least 2 weeks ago before the tour.

You don’t get the forecasts months ahead lol.

A forecast even 5 days ahead is usually not accurate let alone months

 

[Rellu_Katta]

as my perdiction, Ammad, Khushdil and Musa wont get a game ....

 

[MenInG]

Spirit of Cricket.....

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[Yati]

Are you really that behind? You sound like people from 70s or 60s. Now a days you can get weather forecast months ahead. I didn't say to change in the last minute. They can re-arrange the schedule least 2 weeks ago before the tour.

This is the stupidest comment i've heard in a long time. The weather can change at anytime even a day before depending on where the storms is coming from, the wind speeds, etc. Do some research before saying stupid stuff. You just seem like you want blame PCB for any reason.

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE - Visiting Bangladeshi sports journalists have praised unprecedented security provided to the visiting Bangladesh cricket team and are awed by the love and hospitality of the people.

A ten-member media team had accompanied the Bangladesh cricket team on the first leg of the Bangladesh team to play three Twenty20 international matches series in Lahore. The journalists, during their five-day visit, watched cricket, saw Lahore and interacted with people.

Talking to APP at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Monday, the journalists admitted that they were confused initially whether to visit or not but the love of cricket pushed them to visit Lahore despite fears.

Mahmudur Rahman of DBC News Dhaka said they found an unprecedented security wall during the visit in Lahore, adding Pakistan is very safe for cricket and tourism.

“Not only Mushfiqur Raheem but the all major cricketing nations including South Africa, England, and Australia should come and play in Pakistan”, he said in his appraisal whether Pakistan was safe for cricket.

“I was pleasantly shocked to see the love of people for Bangladesh and would carry fondest memories of my sojourn in Lahore”, said Humayun Kabir Rose of the Somoy TV.

He expressed his delight in visiting historic sites like the Lahore Fort and Minar e Pakistan during their visit, adding he was pleased to find people loving and accommodating.

He said he was happy to be part of the contingent to bring cricket back to Pakistan.

Nayir Iqbal of the Pothom Alo, Dhaka said he felt very safe in Lahore and moved around without any fear, regretting that he could not visit Badshai mosque and Minar e Pakistan along with other Bangladesh journalists the other day.

“I have been receiving phone calls from my colleagues in Dhaka to know about the security and I have told them Lahore is one of the safest countries in the world”, Nayir said, adding people are crazy about cricket in Pakistan and cricket fans should not suffer.

Nayir said he had fallen in love with the Lahori food, adding that he was a foodie and Lahori food was the best in the world. He said all who visit Pakistan must taste Pakistani food.

Comparing Lahore with Dhaka, the print media journalist from Dhaka said Lahore was Europe as compared with Dhaka, adding that Lahore was spacious while Dhaka was cramped due to over-population. However, he said the construction of new metros in Dhaka would ease out the traffic.

The visiting journalists said they would fond memories of Lahore with them and love to come back for the test matches in February.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/27-...-pakistan-safe-for-cricket-praise-hospitality

 

[MenInG]

Looks like England whitewashing SA in T20I series could go to #1 in T20Is....