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Bangladesh leg spinner Rishad Hossain believes Bangladesh can take the T20 series home as the Tigers have the lead 1-0 against strong New Zealand.

Persistent rain disrupted play, limiting the second T20I of the three-match series between Bangladesh and New Zealand to only 11 overs before being called off at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui today.

Despite the umpires waiting until the end and exploring the possibility of a five-over-a-side contest, the continuous rain showed no signs of relenting, resulting in a premature conclusion of the match. Only 66 balls were bowled during the brief period of play.

Bangladesh may seal their first series win in New Zealand in any format on Sunday when the third and final T20 is also held at Mount Maunganui.

“Alhamdulillah we have got such a great opportunity, we will try to make use of it. Yes, we all have 100% faith (to win the series) In Sha Allah. In this series we don't see any negative side, just positives. Catch-miss can happen and we are taking it normally. The next match will be better In sha Allah.” Rishad said after the match, who bowled very economically in this unfinished match, conceded only 10 runs from three overs without any wickets.

Tim Seifert smashed 43 off 23 balls for the Kiwis before being caught to end his second-wicket partnership of 49 with Daryl Mitchell before rain started to fall.

Seifert also praised young Rishad and said, “He bowled very well. Obviously, he was bowling, hitting into the wind and it was quite a strong wind as well. So kind of hitting straight was potentially a tough option. Obviously, it's a fairly decent-sized boundary, but also with that big wind. So it was good from him bowling in the areas, but I think the boys played him well and we got to give him credit, he bowled well in those first two overs as well.”