Rain delays White Ferns chance for series win

The rain has returned and the covers are being put back on during the Second Women’s One Day International match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at McLean Park in Napier
Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz

The second ODI between the White Ferns and Bangladesh was abandoned because of rain in Napier.

After a delayed start Bangladesh decided to bat first and made 157-7 from a reduced 44 overs.

Spinner Fran Jonas was the best of the New Zealand bowlers taking two for 30 from nine overs, while Hayley Jensen, Jess Kerr and Hannah Rowe took a wicket each.

Ritu Moni top scored with 32, while Fahima Khatun made 25.

A further rain delay meant New Zealand’s target was reduced to 156 from 43 overs.

Captain Sophie Devine was run out for one in the third over, but another downpour pushed the players from the field in the fifth over with New Zealand 14 for one.

Play was unable to start again with Suzie Bates on nine and Amelia Kerr two.

After winning the first game of the series in Wellington by eight wickets Jess Kerr said it was “frustrating” to not be able to wrap up the series in game two.

Rain has interrupted both White Ferns and Black Caps games against visiting teams over the last couple of months and the White Ferns will be hoping for better conditions for the third and final game in Hamilton on Saturday.

Despite the White Ferns getting limited time at the crease in the second ODI, Kerr said they would be ready for the remaining game.

“This tour we have been pushed quite a bit physically and it’s been great, lots of volume of fielding and in the gym as well which I think is important going into a summer of cricket and with the world cup coming up and Super Smash so we’ll train hard tomorrow [Thursday] bowlers will bowl a few overs and then have a day to rest and recover and then back at it again to hopefully get that series win,” Kerr said.