Mark Chapman takes an early catch against England. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Rain has ended New Zealand's hopes of victory in their Twenty20 series opener against England at Christchurch.
After winning the toss, the Black Caps limited their rivals to a modest 153/6 in the first innings, but never got a chance to respond, as the weather intervened and forced an end to play.
The tourists never really picked up any momentum during their dig, averaging just eight runs an over, when Jimmy Neesham bowled captain Harry Brook at 64/3. That was as good as it got.
Allrounder Sam Curran led their scoring with 49 runs off 35 balls, compiling an unbeaten 39 runs off the last 20 balls of their innings with fellow allrounder Brydon Carse.
NZ captain Mitch Santner employed six bowlers and each grabbed a wicket - he and fellow spinner Michael Bracewell proved the most economical at five runs an over.
The two teams will meet again at Hagley Oval on Monday.
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