Rain spurned the prospect of Bangladesh to clinch the T20 series before the last match to play when the spirited Tigers were leading the series by 1-0.
But relentless rain forced to call off the second match on Friday after 11 overs when New Zealand scored 72 for two wickets before rain interrupted.
After waiting up to 9:30 pm (local time) umpires could not resume the match and were forced to declare the match abandoned.
Bangladesh, who were in upper hands after winning the first match in Napier, have every chance to confirm the series win but after an encouraging start in front of a handsome crowds during the year-end weekend at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, but beginning with a light drizzle, soon gained momentum forcing the players off the field.
But, Bangladesh still have chance of winning the series to earn a rare feat with ending the year 2023 as unbeaten in T20 format when they won all the series they played in this year before ongoing three-match series against New Zealand.
However, Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto after winning the coin’s favoure in the second successive match decided to field first.
Bowlers started with an optimistic way with Shoriful struck with the second ball of the second over of the match with sending off opener Finn Allan for two and the scoreboard read only nine runs.
However, New Zealand got rid of the early scare with Tim Seifert turned into devastating attitude with a rapid 43 off 23 balls hitting six boundaries and a towering six.
But Tanzid Hasan stopped Tim Seifert with an off pace delivery outside the off stumps when the opener’s sky-high shot was caught at wide mid-on by Shanto.
When Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips were struggling with 18 off 24 balls and nine runs off 14 respectively, rain started to justify the Thursday’s weather forecast, as rest of the time no ball was bowled due to continuous rain.
Mitchell, who scored 14 runs from 15 deliveries in the first T20 match, was struggling on the day with 18 runs from 23 balls, tried to attack the both pacers and pinners. But the leg-spinner Rishad tight bowling checked well Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
Tigers looked very impressive during the math of 11 overs when Najmul Hossain Shanto ran behind from cover to have a beautify catch of Seifert in the eighth over when the opener turned danger and scored 43 of 23 ball being caught out.
After being washed out the second match and if Bangladesh will loss the third ODI, they will have the opportunity at least to share the T20 trophy with the hosts with a 1-1, as only the option left for New Zealand to level the series on December 31 with they are trailing by 0-1.
