Australia retain Chappell-Hadlee Trophy after rain washes out second T20I against NZ

Showers had lingered throughout the day before briefly easing, allowing a toss to take place.

New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell chose to bowl, making three changes — Ben Sears returning from injury, Jimmy Neesham replacing Kyle Jamieson, and Ish Sodhi appearing in his 100th T20I to become the country’s most-capped player. Australia made a single change, bringing in Sean Abbott for the rested Ben Dwarshuis.

But the rain soon returned and the match was reduced to nine overs per side.

Australia, sent in to bat on a pitch kept under covers all day, managed just 16 for 1 before conditions worsened again. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy found movement with the new ball, and Travis Head fell as the lone wicket, edging Duffy to Devon Conway at backward point.

Persistent downpours prevented any further play, ensuring the Aussies secured the trophy with a game to spare.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again for the third and final T20I, though the weather forecast remains unkind.