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ICC Rates Mirpur Pitch For NZ Vs BAN 2nd Test 'Unsatisfactory'; Venue Penalised

image-lq2crvm0New Zealand Vs Bangladesh (X.com)

The two-game test series held between New Zealand and Bangladesh ended in a draw last week. After pulling off an extraordinary win in the first Test, the Tigers couldn't sustain the momentum as the BlackCaps secured a close victory.

However, the series didn't end without drama. Since Day 1 of the second Test, concerns over the adverse pitch conditions were expressed by the teams and fans alike. 

Kiwi skipper Tim Southee reckoned that Mirpur's pitch was one of the worst wickets he came across in his extended international career. 


ICC Rates Mirpur Pitch Amid Backlash

Amid intense criticism, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took the matter into its own hands and conducted a thorough investigation via its Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. 

The outcome of the same was announced earlier today as ICC rated the pitch of Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur for the second test between New Zealand and Bangladesh as "unsatisfactory." 

"The outfield was very good and held up extremely well with the rain. However, it appeared that the pitch may have been under prepared, as it was not hard and was covered in grass clippings on day one," David Boon said.

In a detailed statement, ICC explained that in accordance with match referee David Boon's report, the board derived its conclusion. Boon stated in his report that the pitch surface seemed underprepared. 

"From the first session onwards, throughout the remainder of the match, the bounce was inconsistent with numerous balls bursting the surface. Deliveries from spin bowlers often went over the batter's shoulder when playing forward and then occasionally stayed very low," he added.

Throughout the course of the second test, the surface produced uneven bounce. While some deliveries of spin bowlers went past the batter's shoulders, a few stayed extremely low at times. This indirectly proved to be a hazard for the players. 

Subsequently, ICC penalized the venue of Mirpur with one demerit point. The demerit point will roll for a span of five years, and once the venue attains six demerit points, it will be barred from hosting any international match for a 12-month period.

The second test between New Zealand and Bangladesh was a low-scoring game per se. Both teams failed to reach the 200-run mark throughout the course of four innings. The Kiwi batters handled the pressure better to sweep the victory by the barest of margins.