The second T20I of the three-match series between Australia and New Zealand was washed out by rain after just 13 balls at Bay Oval. As a result, the match was abandoned, and Australia retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, with one game remaining in the series on Saturday.

Toss and Team Changes

Persistent showers delayed the match all day, but the rain eased just after the scheduled 7:15 pm start. The toss took place at 7:45 pm, and both teams prepared for an 8:15 pm start with an 18-over-a-side game. New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell sent Australia to bat first.

New Zealand made three changes: Ben Sears returned from injury, Ish Sodhi became New Zealand’s most-capped men’s T20I player, and Jimmy Neesham replaced Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, and Bevon Jacobs. Australia made one change, bringing in Sean Abbott to replace the rested Ben Dwarshuis.

Match Delays and Reduced Overs

However, rain returned just before the scheduled start and persisted until 8:47 pm. Ground staff took 43 minutes to dry the pitch and set up a nine-overs-a-side game.

Short-Lived Action

The teams managed to play only part of the 2.4-over powerplay. Australia struggled to 16 for 1 as Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy bowled sharply on the wet surface. Travis Head was the only wicket to fall, slicing a Duffy delivery to Devon Conway at backward point.

Brief Scorecard