The 3-match T20I series between New Zealand and Australia which was scheduled to play at Napier has been abandoned. It’s understood that the series was supposed to go ahead if the New Zealand government would relax the restrictions at the Trans-Tasman border but they didn’t.
“The series was initially arranged on the basis of the New Zealand Government’s plan to relax restrictions at the trans-Tasman border.
“However, with those plans now substantially delayed, and no MIQ accommodation available for the Australian side on their scheduled arrival into New Zealand, NZC has been given no choice but to abandon the series,” New Zealand Cricket released a statement.
The matches were scheduled to play on February 17, 18, and 20 at McLean Park. As a result of that, the T20I between New Zealand and the Netherlands which was scheduled to play at Bay Oval, Tauranga on March 25, will now be played at McLean Park on the same date.
Notable that earlier New Zealand also cancelled the Australia tour due to the same issue. NZ was set to play 3 ODIs and one T20I in the Australia tour.
“At the time we scheduled the visit there was a lot of hope that the trans-Tasman border would be open for those who met the right criteria, However, the advent of Omicron has, unfortunately, changed everything at the border, and has made it impossible for us to continue with the series,” NZC chief executive David White said.
“It’s disappointing – but we know it’s the same for businesses and individuals and other sports, and we’re grateful for the international schedule we have,” he added further.
However, the rest of the schedule in NZ’s home season will remain the same as they are set to host a 2-test match series starting on February 17. And they will also play a series of 3 ODIs and one T20I against the Netherlands.
So far in the home season, New Zealand hosted Bangladesh for a 2-Test match in which the visitors achieved a historic test win and they drew the series by 1-1.
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