New Zealander Neal Parlane, from Wellington, demonstrated his batting prowess with a selection of fine shots before BAT's ECB Southern Electric Premier League match against Portsmouth at Southern Gardens was abandoned due to heavy rain.

Parlane, pictured in action, has replaced Kenyan Kennedy Otieno as BAT's overseas player this summer. He hit an unbeaten 27 out of a total of 42 without loss before the match was abandoned after 11 overs.

The Kiwi, who plays provincial cricket for Wellington, was particularly effective off his legs, clipping several boundaries off Hampshire Under-19 all-rounder Naqeeb Ali Mohamed.

James Manning proved the more effective of Portsmouth's two opening bowlers, troubling left-hander Damian Shirazi with movement off the damp surface.

It was the second consecutive week that BAT Sports had suffered from the elements. Their scheduled opening match against Bournemouth at Chapel Gate last week was called off without a ball being bowled because of the wet underfoot conditions.

Bournemouth were similarly dogged by the weather, with their match at South Wilts being abandoned after several rain interruptions.