Auckland, March 6 NZPA - A double breakthrough by Australian paceman Ryan Harris had New Zealand in early strife as rain halted play in the second Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day cricket international here today.

New Zealand were 43 for three in the ninth over, chasing 274 to take a 2-0 lead in the series, when a heavy shower forced players from the field at Eden Park.

Harris struck in consecutive deliveries in the eighth over, removing Peter Ingram for 14 and Neil Broom for a duck, both out leg before wicket.

The Ingram decision by umpire Rudi Koertzen appeared marginal, with the ball angling down the leg side, but Broom would have few complaints with his.

With Ross Taylor ruled out because of a hamstring strain, Martin Guptill carried New Zealand's hopes alongside James Franklin at the crease.

Franklin arrived with Broom as his runner after he also strained a hamstring while bowling.

Key man Brendon McCullum blazed away for 24 off 16 balls, including three fours and two sixes, before he was removed by a brilliant one-handed catch by gloveman Brad Haddin off Mitchell Johnson's bowling.

The covers were quickly removed from the pitch after a few minutes and play looked like resuming with minimal delay.

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