Rain delays 3rd day's play in 2nd test

Sport Desk: Rain has prevented any play prior to lunch on Sunday on the third day of the second Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Christchurch, repots SBS.com.

After rain brought an early close to day two, showers continued throughout the night and morning and the pitch, surrounds and bowlers' run-ups have remained covered while the outfield has become saturated.

Rain is forecast to continue, heavily at times, throughout the day and to abate in the evening.

New Zealand was due to resume its first innings at 7-260 in reply to Bangladesh's 289.

Henry Nicholls is 56 not out - the third player to post a half century in the New Zealand innings - and fast bowler Tim Southee is unbeaten on four.

New Zealand's innings has been built around Ross Taylor's 77 - his 27th half century which carried him past 6000 Test runs - and Tom Latham's 68 - his sixth half-century in his past seven Tests.

If no play is possible on Sunday, as many as 196 overs remain to be bowled on the last two days leaving ample time for a result.

New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Wellington by seven wickets.

risingbd/Dhaka/Jan 22, 2017/Nasim