Bangladesh made an early breakthrough against New Zealand in the first T20I. New Zealand’s Katene Clarke was dismissed early.
Kelly and Clarkson Offer Resistance
Nick Kelly and Josh Clarkson attempted to build momentum for New Zealand. Clarkson pulled Ripon Mondol for a single towards cow corner. He then hit Mondol for four, a lofted straight drive over the bowler. Clarkson later pushed a low full toss from Shoriful Islam down to long off for a single.
Kelly also found the boundary, reverse hitting Shoriful Islam over backward point for four. He then hit Mondol for six over deep mid-wicket and followed it up with another four. The latter was ramped over short third.
Light Failure Halts Play
The umpires gathered to discuss the fading natural light. Despite the stadium’s artificial lights being 50 percent active, the officials determined the visibility was inadequate. Play was halted. Kelly was reportedly unhappy with the decision, as New Zealand had just begun to gain momentum.
Early Dismissals for New Zealand
Shoriful Islam picked up the wicket of Nick Kelly. Kelly looked to pull the ball but lobbed it over Tanzim Hasan Sakib at short fine leg, who took the catch. Nathan Smith came in to bat next.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed a six off Josh Clarkson. Smith pushed a slower ball from Sakib down to long on for a single. Clarkson then flicked Sakib through mid-wicket for one.
Following the delay, it appeared the floodlights were fully operational, allowing play to continue.