The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given an “unsatisfactory” rating to the pitch used for the second Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The decision follows concerns over the pitch’s inconsistent bounce and excessive turn throughout the game, which became one of the shortest Test matches in cricket history by overs.
Problems with the Pitch Conditions
On the first day alone, fifteen wickets fell, making batting a major challenge. Match referee David Boon reported to the ICC that the pitch seemed under-prepared. He noted it was not hard and had grass clippings on day one, which affected play significantly.
Boon highlighted inconsistent bounce as a key problem. Many deliveries burst through the surface. Spin bowlers’ deliveries often behaved unpredictably sometimes flying over batters’ shoulders or staying unusually low.
Visiting Captain’s Reaction
New Zealand’s captain, Tim Southee, expressed his disappointment, calling the pitch “probably the worst” he has ever played on. This critical rating marks the second time in five years that a pitch at Sher-e-Bangla has received a demerit point. The previous instance was in a 2018 match against Sri Lanka, which also ended within three days.
Impact on the Match and Cricket
Such pitch conditions affect the fairness and competitiveness of Test cricket. An “unsatisfactory” rating signals to ground authorities the need for better preparation to ensure a balanced contest between bat and ball.
