DHAKA, May 02, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh suffered an early batting collapse before rain interrupted play in the series-deciding third T20 International against New Zealand at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

At the time of stoppage, Bangladesh were 50 for 3 in 6.4 overs, with Liton Das unbeaten on 25 and Towhid Hridoy on 2. The hosts had reached 43 for 3 at the end of the powerplay after a promising start.

Bangladesh began steadily, reaching 21 without loss in three overs. Saif Hasan looked in good touch, striking two boundaries in the second over that yielded 12 runs. However, the momentum quickly shifted in New Zealand's favour.

Jaydon Lennox broke the opening stand in the fourth over, dismissing Saif Hasan for 16 off 11 balls, caught at mid-off by Tim Robinson. Liton Das briefly counterattacked, hitting a four and a six in the same over.

The innings then unraveled in the fifth over. Nathan Smith bowled Tanzid Hasan Tamim, before Ish Sodhi struck on the very next delivery to remove Parvez Hossain Emon. Towhid Hridoy survived the hat-trick ball, but Bangladesh lost three wickets for just 14 runs.

Rain arrived shortly after, forcing an interruption and leaving the match in an uncertain position.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Nick Kelly won the toss and chose to field, aiming to level the series. Bangladesh, led by Liton Das, made one change, bringing in Mohammad Saifuddin for the injured Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

New Zealand also made two changes, with Jaydon Lennox and Ben Sears replacing Ben Lister and Matt Fisher.

The series has already been affected by weather, with the second T20 in Chattogram abandoned due to rain. Bangladesh lead the series 1-0 after winning the first match by six wickets, while they earlier clinched the ODI series 2-1.