New Zealand vs Bangladesh

New Zealand vs Bangladesh 

No result New Zealand 72 for 2 in 11 overs (Seifert 43, Tanzim 1-15) vs Bangladesh

Mount Maunganui had a tough turnout on Friday to start the final weekend of the year, but rain called for the final in the second T20 between New Zealand and Bangladesh after just 11 overs of action.

It was an even contest with New Zealand at 72 for 2 in 11 overs, with Bangladesh crawling away after Tim Seifert's early onslaught.

Seifert scored 43 off 23 balls with six fours and a six, but it wasn't all spectacular. "He swung like a rusty gate," said Craig McMillan on the broadcast, aptly describing the opener's stay with a few lucky boundaries off the slogs that added to New Zealand's early momentum.

It was a crucial innings though as Finn Allen drove out Shariful Islam to cover in the second over of the game, and Darryl Mitchell at No. 3 was slow to start after Bangladesh opted to bowl. In the middle, in the 8th, Seifert was also hit on the side of his helmet by the non-striker after Mitchell backed a drive. He continued after the physio went ahead.

Looking to overhit Bangladesh pacer or legspinner Rishad Hossain, Mitchell struggled to 18 off his 24 balls. Rishad's three overs at 3.33 kept the pace off Mitchell and No. 4 Glenn Phillips (14 in 9*).

Bangladesh's impressive fielding in a slippery outfield added to the pressure. Soumya Sarkar was busy driving long-on down the field, and it was Nazmul Hossain Shanta's deft catch running back from cover that removed Seifert in the eighth over.

A light drizzle soon forced the players off the field. Had there been a shorter DLS-adjusted chase, Bangladesh would have needed 46 from five overs but those were slim hopes. The rain never abated but intensified and the umpires abandoned the match at 9.55pm local time.

Friday's washout ensures that Bangladesh will have at least one hand in the T20 trophy come Sunday. Trailing 0-1, hosts New Zealand can level the series in the third T20I on December 31.