ICC rates Bangladesh-New Zealand 2nd Test pitch 'Unsatisfactory'

The ICC has rated the second Bangladesh-New Zealand Test pitch in Mirpur as "unsatisfactory," ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. ICC match referee David Boon concluded after discussions with the captains from both teams. As a result, the venue has received one demerit point.

“The outfield was very good and held up extremely well with the rain. However, it appeared that the pitch may have been under-prepared, as it was not hard and was covered in grass clippings on day one. From the first session onwards, throughout the remainder of the match, the bounce was inconsistent, with numerous balls bursting the surface. Deliveries from spin bowlers often went over the batter's shoulder when playing forward and then occasionally stayed very low," Boon said.

New Zealand went into the match after losing the first Test in Sylhet by 150 runs. However, they bounced back extremely well in Mirpur, winning by four wickets despite finding themselves in trouble at 69 for 6 in the fourth innings in pursuit of 137. 

New Zealand skipper Tim Southee was not too pleased with the surface either. In fact, he labelled it as the worst wicket he has ever played in his career.

"It is probably the worst wicket I've come across in my career. The balance between bat and ball was heavily favoured in the bowler's hands. I think for the match to be over in 170 overs sort of reflects that. So, for our guys to scrap away and then come away with the win was a big pleasure," Southee was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"I think it was just a scrappy Test match. It was a tough wicket. Runs were hard to come by, and just those little moments and partnerships throughout were crucial, whereas, in other matches, I guess when conditions are a little bit more even between bat and ball, they don't get noticed as much," he added.

Demerit points will remain active for a five-year rolling period. When a venue accumulates six demerit points (or crosses that threshold), it will be suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months. However, a venue will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 24 months when it accumulates 12 demerit points.

Bangladesh will have 14 days to appeal against this sanction.