Rain washes out Bulawayo one-dayer

Match rained out between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh
Scorecard

There was never any doubt that the first one-day international between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo would be abandoned without a ball being bowled. The previous morning Noel Peck, the groundsman, was very doubtful whether any play would be possible, even if there was a day of sunshine and no more rain. There was indeed sunshine, but another very heavy downpour in the evening made sure a large section of the ground become thoroughly waterlogged.

It is also highly unlikely that any play will be possible in the second match, scheduled for March 7, especially with rain continuing on and off; in fact, common sense would suggest that the match be called off right now to save everybody the trouble, but "it can't be done," said one of the officials. Harare usually gets more rain than Bulawayo, although the ground there drains better, so it is not inconceivable that the full five-match series might never even start. It is reported that there are plans now to install better drainage at Queens, but as far as this series is concerned the horse has already bolted.