The rain had the final say as the three-match ODI series opening game between Bangladesh and New Zealand were called off at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today (21 September).

The rain interrupted twice in the match-first time after 4.3 overs as it stopped the game for one hour and reduced the game to 42-over.

As New Zealand, which was sent to bat first, reached 136-5 in 33.4 overs after the in 42-over game, the rain again came back to halt the proceedings.

After a wait for one hour and 45-minutes, the match was finally called off. Opener Will Young made the team-best 58 for New Zealand while Henry Nicholls scored 44.

Left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman claimed 3-27 and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed complemented him with 2-21.

Young and Nicholls combined for a 97-run for the third wicket, highest for New Zealand in this stand at Mirpur venue, after being slumped to 16-2.

New Zealand made a watchful start but left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman broke through, by sending back opener Finn Allen for 9.

In his next over, Mustafizur had Chad Bowes caught by Nurul Hasan Sohan after he edged behind for 1.

Young and Nicholls survived some excellent bowling of Mustafizur and Tanzim Hasan and kept the side unscathed in a bowling favorable condition.

They also dealt the Bangladeshi spinners confidently before Mustafizur came back in his second spell to trap Nicholls leg-before.

Young who hit four fours and one six in his 91 ball- innings, threw his wicket after trying to charge left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed needlessly.

Nasum also handed Rachin Ravindra a second-ball-duck before the rain came back and poured relentlessly to force the official to call it off.

The second match is on Saturday (23 September) at Mirpur.