Mirpur pitch receives unsatisfactory rating after second Bangladesh-New Zealand Test

The pitch used in the Bangladesh vs. New Zealand 2nd Test in Mirpur has been deemed unsatisfactory by the Apex Cricket Council (ACC). The International Cricket Council, on December 12, conveyed their decision, citing inadequate preparation of the track. According to ACC match umpire David Boon, the pitch displayed inconsistent behaviour from the Test match’s outset. Day 1 of the Test saw 15 wickets fall, with Bangladesh being bowled out for 172 runs in 66.2 overs.

In addition to this, New Zealand spinners including Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and Glenn Phillips, took six wickets. They certainly placed the home side in a precarious position. The match concluded with New Zealand successfully chasing 137 runs with four wickets remaining in a low-scoring affair. Following consultations and considering concerns, ACC Match Referee David Boon submitted a report to the ACC, resulting in the venue receiving one demerit point.

“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. 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,” Boon said.

It’s the worst wicket I’ve come across in my career: Tim Southee

New Zealand levelled the series at 1-1 by defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring second Test match. Following their loss in the initial encounter, the Blackcaps effectively limited the hosts to modest scores in both innings. And in their batting, they chased down the target of 137 runs on the penultimate day. Glenn Phillips demonstrated his prowess in both innings, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s swift victory on day four. Despite the success, captain Tim Southee expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch, labelling it the ‘worst wicket’ of his career due to its bowler-friendly nature, resulting in uneven competition.

“There’s a number of ways I could describe that wicket. For the match to be over in 170 overs is a fair reflection of that wicket. It wasn’t great. It certainly wasn’t an even battle between bat and ball. It’s probably the worst wicket I’ve come across in my career. Like I say, the balance between bat and ball was heavily favored into the bowlers’ hands. For the match to be over in 170 overs reflects that. For our guys to scrap and come away with a win was very pleasing,” Southee said.