A persistent rain forced the day two game of the second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand to be called off at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

The day in fact was washed out without a ball being bowled as there was no sign of stopping the December rain. The match officials called it a day one and half hours after the lunch session was taken.

The third day's game will begin at 9.15 AM, 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time in a bid to cover up the lost overs caused the rain on day two.

It meant, New Zealand ended the day two game with overnight 55-5.

A total of 15 wickets fell on day one after which Bangladesh took the control of the Test, leading New Zealand by 117 runs at this moment.

Bangladesh was bundled out for 172 runs after its captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bat first, with Mushfiqur Rahim top-scoring 35. He however became the first Bangladeshi batter to be dismissed for handling the ball.

Bangladesh spinners then helped the side hit back strongly, ripping through New Zealand half of the batting line up in a rage turner that also was slow and low and has uneven bounce.

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan led the attack with 3-17 and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, fresh from his 10-184 in the first test, took 2-29.

Bangladesh leads the series 1-0, following its 150-run victory in the first Test.