Rain Abandons Second T20 Match Between New Zealand and Australia

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand (AP) — The second Twenty20 match between New Zealand and Australia was abandoned due to rain on Friday, leaving Australia with a 1-0 lead in the three-match Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.

Rain delayed the toss by 30 minutes and returned shortly after the teams took the field. The match eventually started at 9:30 PM local time with both teams prepared for a short game of nine overs per side. However, only 13 balls were bowled before the weather worsened.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to field. At the time play was interrupted, Australia was at 16-1, with Travis Head being the only wicket to fall. He edged a delivery from Jacob Duffy to Devon Conway at backward point.

Australia won the opening match on Wednesday by six wickets, and they are set to retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy regardless of the outcome of the final match, which is scheduled for Saturday at Bay Oval.

The match on Friday had initially been slated to start at 7:15 PM. After a 43-minute delay to dry the ground, the teams only managed to play a brief contest.

Michael Bracewell, New Zealand’s captain, expressed frustration, stating, “We wanted to play a game but unfortunately the weather didn’t play ball.” While looking ahead to the final match, he added, “We just want to keep building, we made a few adjustments from [game] one to two.”

In contrast, Australia, led by captain Mitchell Marsh, remains confident after their commanding win in the first match. Marsh said before the rain, “Days like today are always difficult…Of course, we want to play for the crowd.”

Further rain is forecasted for Saturday, potentially impacting the third match.