New Zealand reduced Bangladesh to 50 for 3 in 6.4 overs before rain stopped play in the third T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.
The visitors struck early after choosing to field. Jayden Lennox made an instant impact on debut and removed Saif Hassan with his first ball in T20Is. Saif scored 16 from 11 balls before he miscued a lofted shot and offered a catch to Tim Robinson.
Bangladesh tried to counter through Litton Das at the top. He attacked from the start and hit 25 from 13 balls with three fours and a six. Tawhid Hridoy supporting him at the other end as the hosts look to recover momentum.
New Zealand kept pressure through tight lines and quick wickets. Nathan Smith dismissed Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 6 from 10 balls and then removed Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck on the next delivery. Ish Sodhi took the catch at short third man.
Bangladesh slipped to 35 for 3 before rebuilding to 50 when rain arrived. Ground staff covered the pitch as dark clouds moved over Mirpur.
Both sides made changes for the match. Bangladesh brought in Mohammad Saifuddin for the injured Tanzim Hasan Sakib. New Zealand included Ben Sears and handed a debut to Lennox, while Matt Fisher and Ben Lister dropped out.
Rain now threatens the result in a match that could decide the series.
