Black Caps chasing win over last two days

Playing for a draw won't feature in New Zealand's mindset when the second Test against Bangladesh resumes after losing a day to rain in Christchurch.

The tense Test at Hagley Oval was put on hold for 24 hours, after the third day was abandoned at 4pm following persistent rain.

A superior forecast for the last two days and extended hours has both teams optimistic of forcing a result.

The pitch should be particularly lively when New Zealand take guard at 7-260 in response to Bangladesh's 289.

Black Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen says it is vital specialist batsman Henry Nicholls, on 56, and the tailenders are able to squeeze out as many runs as possible.

"It'll be a challenge early for us but we know our guys can bat," Jurgensen said.

"Then it'll be a good opportunity with ball with us not being quite at our best this series, we know that."

The home side leads the two-Test series 1-0 following a seven-wicket win in Wellington.

Bangladesh will undoubtedly push hard to register their first Test win over New Zealand and square the series.

Jurgensen rejected a suggestion the Black Caps could target a draw to preserve their series lead.

The conditions will warrant all-out attack in the field from the seamers while Jurgensen suggested spinner Mitchell Santner could also be effective after going unused in the first innings.

And then when New Zealand bat again, Jurgensen suggests there won't be any mucking around if there is a target to chase.

Eyeing a tricky 217 in the fourth innings in Wellington, New Zealand raced to their target in less than 40 overs on the back of a Kane Williamson century.

"When we've batted well, we've looked to be positive, that's when we play our best cricket," Jurgensen said.

"That doesn't change no matter who the team is.

"First things first. Tomorrow we've got an opportunity to come out and get a lead."

Jurgensen says the Black Caps haven't dwelled on their poor finish to day two, when spinner Shakib Al Hasan ripped out three middle order wickets in the space of nine balls.

"We worked really hard for most of the day so it wasn't the ideal situation that happened, it was getting dark.

"That happens sometimes, we just let it slip. Now it's going to be a real test of our character as a team."

The former Bangladesh coach says it will be important to smother the excitement levels which he assumes are building in the tourists' ranks.