Rain forces tense finale in Group B

New Zealand and Bangladesh shared points today, setting up a tense and intriguing finish to Group B in the Under-19 World Cup. The two top teams of each group advance to the next stage. Persistent morning showers following heavy overnight rain forced the match to be abandoned. The decision was taken at 1:30 p.m local time. It was a bleak scene at an otherwise picturesque Galle International Cricket stadium.

Umpire Asoka De Silva said there was no choice but to call the game off. "The ground is not suitable for cricket. The fielding side must be allowed free movement. The batsmen must get full value for their shots."

Both teams will be disappointed not to play. It was a tie that offered so much - a confident New Zealand unit up against a Bangladeshi team with the benefit of experience in Asian conditions. One point is little consolation when you have travelled a long way to play cricket.

For the New Zealanders, it was the second group game in a row to be affected by rain. Their opening encounter against Holland was reduced to a 32 overs a side match. They were convincing winners at the Matara Uyanwatte ground. Nevertheless these have been far from ideal preparations for a tough final group encounter against a strong Indian side which, weather permitting, is scheduled to be played here in Galle on Sunday.

Expressing disappointment, a somewawht nervous New Zealand coach Dayle Hadlee told CricInfo, "We targeted this game as a potential two points to fast track us into the Super League. We'll have to beat India. It is as simple as that. Because our first game was decided on Duckworth/Lewis, we got no net run rate and if we have another situation like that we'll not have the opportunity to get any bonus points."

Bangladesh is a rapidly developing cricket nation with a quietly determined team here. This match represented an opportunity to display their talents in a pressure situation. Former Bangladeshi national player and coach of the Under-19 team, Dipu Roy Chowdhury said "this match was crucial for for us. Whether we go to the Super 8 depended on this match badly. Secondly it is a lovely ground and we wanted the exposure of our players. It is disappointing from every angle."

All is not lost however. The outcome of Group B, also including India and Holland, hangs in the balance. On paper New Zealand and India are favourites to enter the Super League. Bangladesh require a little bit of luck. Firstly results are needed in both games on Sunday. Bangladesh must beat Holland convincingly in order to boost their run rate. They should be confident of doing so. As the New Zealand coach stated, his side simply must win.

Whatever happens the results on Sunday should present a fascinating outcome. Let us hope the rain stays away. The sun may yet shine on Bangladesh.