World Cup 2015: Australia vs Bangladesh Washed Out
Cyclonic conditions - including relentless rain - forced the Pool A match to be called off. Both teams share points.
* It's official. The match between Australia and Bangladesh has been abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Both teams share points.
* The rain here at The Gabba has got a whole lot heavier all of a sudden. Worried looks all over but Bangladeshis won't mind sharing points - there is no reserve day, of course.
* The groundsmen are looking busy although the rain is yet to abate.
* There may have been no action yet on the field but in the stands, some hardy fans braving the weather and have chosen to stay put. (Read more here)
* No news from the middle about the prospect of the match. Still five hours left though for the minimum number of overs for a match.
* Word is that some fans are praying for the rain to head to Christchurch as Pakistan team is in tatters against West Indies there. Chasing 311, team 25/4. (Updates)
* The sky over Brisbane is quite grey and there has been sporadic rain. No word yet on the toss.
Preview:
Australia will take on Bangladesh in their second World Cup encounter at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia has been in prime form and this match will also see the return of their injured captain, Michael Clarke. This will be Bangladesh's first international match at a major Australian international ground since 2003 and the last time Australia played a World Cup game here, they squeezed out a one-run victory over India in 1992. Catch all the live cricket scores and live updates here (Live Scorecard | Points Tally | Schedule):
More than the two teams taking on each other, the organisers are facing a double trouble - two cyclones, Marcia and Lam. Brisbane has been drenched over the last 24 hours and the possibility of more rain has raised serious doubts over the fixture. The organisers are still accessing the devastation caused by the cyclones and are even contemplating a delayed start. Even if the match starts after a delay, chances of thunderstorms loom large over the game.
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The both teams however, are in rich form - Australia has won their last five while Bangladesh has won their last six games. If, Australia has reigned supreme over India and England, Bangladesh has whipped the minnows Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. (Cyclone Scare over Australia's Clash with Bangladesh)
Three points and the return of their captain, Michael Clarke - Australia have much more riding on the tie than Bangladesh. Clarke, declared fit, would be resuming his duties as the Australian captain taking over the reins from stand-in skipper George Bailey. The Australian captain has been marred with a hamstring injury and went under surgery. Australia have already chosen their first XI and would like to gain an upper-hand in the group by securing points against Bangladesh. The match also seemed to be a perfect testing ground for Clarke to make his return but the grim weather might play spoil his plans. (Australia Will Look to go for the Kill vs Bangladesh)
Bangladesh though, won't mind the weather interruption. After walloping Afghanistan in their opening game, Bangladesh are the underdogs against the Aussies. Although, their bowling held their own against Afghanistan, a shaky top-order cause enough headaches for the Bangla tigers. Their star players Shakib-al-Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim may be in good touch but heavy reliance on them might not pay much dividend against a side of the quality of Australia. However, if the weather intervenes and the match is called off, the tie would be deemed as a no result and the points will be split between the two teams. Bangladesh, then, would actually have a fairer chance to move ahead into the knockouts from Pool A.