(Credit ACC)
The warm-up match between USA and Bangladesh for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 had to be abandoned due to adverse weather conditions. Scheduled to take place at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday, the game was called off just over an hour before kick-off due to the venue’s unsuitable condition.
Severe storms and tornadoes swept through the area, rendering the stadium unplayable. Wind speeds reached up to 80 mph, causing significant damage, including the complete destruction of a giant screen intended for replays and event graphics.
Given the unsafe weather conditions, organizers made the decision to cancel the match to ensure the safety of players and spectators alike.
“Tornado, severe thunderstorm + 80 MPH winds, flash flood warnings have all gone through Dallas and Grand Prairie areas this morning. A temporary Big Screen TV that was brought into the ground for replays and graphics for the T20 World Cup on one side of the stadium is destroyed.
“USA v Bangladesh official ICC warmup match has been canceled for today in Texas. You can hear fire engine sirens periodically passing all through the streets nearby the stadium over the last hour or so,” cricket journalist Peter Della Pena reported from the ground.
The organizers are undoubtedly eager for an improvement in conditions to prevent any further impact on the T20 World Cup. With the tournament’s opening match slated for June 1 at the same venue, there’s a sense of urgency to address the damages swiftly.
The ICC now finds itself in a race against time to expedite repairs and ensure the venue is ready for the tournament opener later this week.
USA pulls off a surprising victory against Bangladesh:
Prior to the halted warm-up encounter, USA and Bangladesh engaged in a three-match T20I series, where USA turned heads by securing victory with a 2-1 lead.
In the initial two T20Is, USA emerged victorious, triumphing by 5 and 6 wickets respectively, before Bangladesh rallied back to claim the third match by a margin of 10 runs, salvaging some honor.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, USA is set to kick off their campaign on June 1 against Canada, while Bangladesh will make their tournament debut on June 7 against Sri Lanka.
