Rain forced umpires to call off play after just 12 overs of the first day of the three-day tour match between the Queensland Academy of Sport and New Zealand at Allan Border Field today.

After winning the toss, the QAS were 2-20 when the rain came again minutes before lunch.

Chris Cairns (1-5) and Darryl Tuffey (1-13) struck early against a young QAS team.

Rookie Duncan Betts was given out LBW after failing to offer a shot to Cairns from the first ball of the day while Matthew Lunn (six) popped Tuffey to Mark Richardson at short leg.

Captain Jerry Cassell (nine) and Michael Sippel (four) were unbeaten when the rain fell.

Play will be extended by one hour tomorrow and Sunday, with 112 overs set down for each day.

© 2001 AAP