Rain cancels first day of Bangladesh-NZealand Test

Persistent rain washed out the opening day's play of the second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand here on Saturday.

Umpires Daryl Harper of Australia and Asoka de Silva of Sri Lanka along with match referee Javagal Srinath of India inspected the wicket before calling off play at 12:30 local time (6:30 GMT).

"The situation was assessed and the umpires and match referee felt that no play was possible due to the soggy outfield because of the overnight and morning rain," an official said.

"The play will start half-an-hour early at 9:00 am (15:00 GMT) on Sunday."

Persistent rain since morning had forced ground authorities to keep the pitch covered and the toss couldn't be held.

New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0. They won the first Test by three wickets at Chittagong.