Cyclone weakens to brighten chances of Rajkot T20I taking place

The threat of inclement weather during the second T20I between India and Bangladesh in Rajkot has reduced with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) saying that Cyclone Maha has weakened. The chances of the match starting on time increased further as Rajkot woke to a sunny morning, and good weather has persisted through the day.

As per the IMD's previous forecast, Cyclone Maha was scheduled to hit Gujarat on November 6, threatening to cause "heavy or very heavy rains". That threat nearly materialised after thunder and heavy rains hit Rajkot early evening on Wednesday. Consequently, according to Saurashtra Cricket Association president Jaydev Shah, the ground was waterlogged.

"It rained heavily last evening. It lasted about half an hour but the whole ground was wet," Shah told ESPNcricinfo. With covers stretching only till the 30-yard circle, Shah was sceptical at that point about the match going ahead, but he said the groundstaff worked late into the night to mop up the outfield. "Today it is bright and shiny and since morning it has been dry."

Though it will be cloudy during the game as per the forecast, Shah is confident about the drainage facilities at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opening game in Delhi on Sunday.