Twenty20: New Zealand beat Bangladesh in rain-hit match

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 65 runs in a rain-shortened third Twenty20 International in Auckland on Friday to claim a series clean sweep, AFP reported.

With their innings reduced to 10 overs due to bad weather, Bangladesh were all out for 76 with three balls to spare, well short of the 142 target set by New Zealand.

The Black Caps made 141 for four after losing the toss and being asked to bat, with Finn Allen hitting 71 from 29 balls.

Spinner Todd Astle was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 13 runs in his two over spell.

Captain Tim Southee said it was satisfying for the New Zealanders to notch their seventh home series win of the season on all formats.

“It’s been a great summer and we’ve played some good cricket and seen a lot of guys come into the environment and do well,” he said.

Bangladesh captain Liton Das said mistakes cost his side, including a series of dropped catches that allowed Allen to run away with the match.

“We’re not playing good cricket in batting and fielding,” he said.

“We’ve been very good bowling but that’s cost us. We’re a young team and we’re learning.”

New Zealand made a blistering start, with Martin Guptill smashing three sixes in the first two overs.