Rain halts play after Bangladesh lose three early wickets

As predicted by the weather forecast, rain interrupted the series-deciding third and final T20I between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today, with the hosts losing three top-order wickets inside the Powerplay.

Bangladesh were 50 for three in 6.4 overs when rain halted play.

Opener Saif Hassan (16 off 11) was the first to depart, skying one to a fielder at wide mid-off while attempting to take on left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox by dancing down the track in the fourth over.

New Zealand pacer Nathan Smith then removed the other opener, Tanzid Tamim (6 off 10), and Parvez Hossain Emon (0 off 1) in back-to-back deliveries in the very next over, leaving the hosts reeling at 35 for three after 4.4 overs.

However, before the interruption, skipper Litton Das, unbeaten on 25 off 13, and Tawhid Hridoy (2 off 5 not out) were attempting to steady the innings and spark a recovery.

NZ opt to field in series-deciding third T20I against Bangladesh 

New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first in the series-deciding third and final T20I against Bangladesh under overcast skies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today.

The Tigers made just one change to their XI from the previous match, bringing in Mohammad Saifuddin in place of Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 after securing a six-wicket win in the opener, while the second T20I in Chattogram was washed out without a ball being bowled.

Rain remains a concern in Mirpur, with interruptions likely during the course of the match.

Playing XIs: 

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Ripon Mondol, Shoriful Islam

New Zealand: Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears