After a heavy downpour threatened to wash out the third and final T20I between Bangladesh and New Zealand, the sun has finally emerged at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. While the covers remain on the pitch, ground staff have begun the drying process, and match officials are currently inspecting the conditions.The Rain InterruptionThe match was halted at 2:39 PM when heavy rain forced the players off the field. At the time of the stoppage, Bangladesh stood at 50/3 after 6.4 overs.Captain Litton Das was leading the charge with a brisk 25 off 13 balls, accompanied by Towhid Hridoy (2*). Under ICC rules, a minimum of 5 overs per side is required for a result. Since Bangladesh has already completed 6.4 overs, a result is possible even if they do not bat again. Should the match resume only for the second innings, New Zealand’s target will be determined via the DLS method.The cutoff time for the New Zealand innings to begin is 5:48 PM.Match Highlights: A Rocky StartEarlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first under a gloomy Mirpur sky. Bangladesh’s innings saw early aggression followed by a quick cluster of wickets:Saif’s Cameo: Saif Hassan started brightly, scoring 16 runs off 10 balls before being stumped while trying to charge Jayden Lennox.Double Blow: Nathan Smith turned the tide by taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries. He first bowled Tanjid Hasan (6) and then dismissed Parvez Hossain Emon for a golden duck with a sharp bouncer that was caught at short third man.BatterStatusRunsBallsLitton DasNot Out2513Saif Hassanc Robinson b Lennox1610Tanjid Hasanb Smith610Towhid HridoyNot Out25Team NewsBangladesh made one change to their lineup for this series decider. Mohammad Saifuddin returned to the side, replacing Tanjim Hasan Sakib, who was sidelined due to a back injury. This marks Saifuddin's return to the national colors after his last appearance in December against the West Indies.Bangladesh XI: Litton Das (C), Tanjid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, and Ripon Mondol.With the series standing at 1-0 in favor of Bangladesh (after the second match was washed out in Chattogram), the hosts are eyeing a historic series win if the weather permits a restart.
