Bangladesh's third Test in New Zealand cancelled after team is caught up in terrorist attack

The Bangladesh side had arrived for prayers at the Deans Avenue Al Noor mosque while the attack was in progress. They escaped on foot and returned to the nearby Hagley Oval

The third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled after the tourists were caught up in a mass shooting incident in Christchurch.

At least 49 people have been killed during the atrocity, which took place at two mosques in the city on Friday.

The Bangladesh side had arrived for prayers at the Deans Avenue Al Noor mosque while the attack was in progress. They escaped on foot and returned to the nearby Hagley Oval.

Batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on social media: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers."

His teammate Mushfiqur Rahim said the players had been "extremely lucky" to have all emerged from the atrocity alive.

^{A woman speaks to a police officer in the aftermath of the incident in Christchurch. Top: Bangladesh players escape on foot from a terrorist attack at a mosque in the New Zealand city}

"Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us," he tweeted.

Allrounder Shakib Al Hasan posted: "I have nothing to say about the active shooting in New Zealand that took place all I want to say is I’m grateful to almighty Allah for saving my brothers my teammates! Alhamdulillah".

Bangladesh have confirmed that none of their players or backroom staff had been injured.

"All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city," a statement read.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board is in constant contact with the players and team management."

The Test, which had been due to start on Saturday at the Hagley Oval, will no longer take place and the Bangladeshi players are now set to return home in the coming days.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch," a New Zealand Cricket statement read.

"A joint decision... has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe."

"I spoke to my counterpart in Bangladesh and we agree its inappropriate to play cricket at this time," said NZC chief executive David White. "It’s quite unbelievable really. We are shocked."

The global players' union, FICA, has been in contact with the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh to offer support on the ground to the players and support staff.

A statement from the organisation read: "FICA, on behalf of its members and cricketers around the world, sends its prayers and sympathies to the people of Christchurch following today's horrendous attacks.

"The global cricket community was shocked to hear that the Bangladesh cricket team was so close to the incident."

Bangladesh team escaped from a mosque near Hagley Park where there were active shooters. They ran back through Hagley Park back to the Oval. pic.twitter.com/VtkqSrljjV

— Mohammad Isam (@Isam84) March 15, 2019

The incident took place at around 1.30pm local time. An Australia man, identifying himself as Brenton Tarrant on social media, livestreamed himself engaging in the attack. He had previously posted a manifesto to Twitter pre-empting the attack.

A second shooting occurred outside Christchurch hospital, while two car bombs near the Al Noor mosque were diffused by police. Thirty people were killed in the shootings at Al Noor, while a further 10 have died at the Linwood Avenue mosque. Forty-eight people were injured at Christchurch hospital, 20 of whom are reported to be in a critical condition.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "My thoughts, and I'm sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families.

"My thoughts are also to those in Christchurch, who are still dealing with an unfolding situation."

Meanwhile, Australia's under-19 women's team, who had been due to play two T20 matches in Christchurch this weekend, will return home after their tour was cancelled in the wake of the attack.