Washout in Chittagong

Profiles / Editor / 20 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Betfair customers feel a draw is the likely outcome of the first Test between Bangladesh and India after rain washed out the entire third day's play in Chittagong.

Only 97 overs have been possible during the first three days as heavy downpours have prevented any real chance of a result.

The match has had its moments, however, as Sachin Tendulkar extended his Test century record to 36 with another three-figure score, while former skipper Sourav Ganguly also made a century.

Umpires Daryl Harper and Billy Doctrove were forced to abandon play at noon on day three after the outfield at the Ruhul Amin Stadium became waterlogged.

Further rain is forecast for the remaining two days but, given dry conditions, India will still hope to force victory, given Bangladesh's record of collapsing for low scores.

The Test minnows blow hot and cold and their attacking style means that any opponents are always in with a chance of forcing victory and draws are rare in games involving the newest Test nation.

At 384-6 India may well declare, safe in the knowledge that there is not sufficient time for Habibul Bashar's men to manoeuvre themselves into a winning position, and so punters should take note of the India first-innings runs market.

The draw now trades at 1.07 having been matched to small stakes at 4.2, with India trading at 7 and the hosts on offer at 110.