India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI abandoned: Rain denies play in Hamilton as India retain 2-0 lead
The weather has become an unwanted player in India's ODI tour of New Zealand. After disrupting the first two matches, rain had the final say once again at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 10, forcing the third ODI to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.
India, who had already won the opening two matches, retain their 2-0 advantage in the five-match series. The result also means New Zealand can no longer win the series, although the hosts can still draw it by taking both remaining games.
Why was the India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI abandoned?
The match began with delays as persistent showers and a wet outfield prevented the ground staff from preparing the playing area. The toss eventually took place, with India captain Shubman Gill choosing to field first.
The contest was subsequently reduced to 40 overs per side, but conditions did not improve enough for play to begin. After several inspections and repeated interruptions, the umpires called off the match. The abandonment also ended New Zealand's run of 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series victories at home, a streak that stretched back to 2019.
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How did India win the first two rain-hit ODIs?
The opening match in Auckland saw New Zealand bowled out for 185, with Arshdeep Singh leading India's attack with four wickets. Gurnoor Brar picked up three, while Anshul Kamboj claimed two.
India's chase was interrupted by rain, but Virat Kohli's commanding 74 off 51 balls helped the visitors reach a revised target of 143 in 22.2 overs, winning by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The second ODI in Wellington was another close contest. Gurnoor Brar's four-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 134 in 41 overs. India, however, struggled during the chase, slipping to 47/4 after early dismissals, including those of Gill and Kohli.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul attempted to steady the innings, but New Zealand continued to take wickets. When rain stopped play, India were at 113/7 and four runs ahead of the DLS par score. They were declared winners by four runs.
Who will captain India in the final two ODIs?
The Hamilton match was Gill's final appearance as captain in this ODI series. As announced by the BCCI when it named the squads in October, Gill and KL Rahul are part of the group selected for the first three ODIs and will now join preparations for the two-Test series.
Shreyas Iyer, who served as vice-captain for the opening three matches, will lead India in the fourth and fifth ODIs. Ishan Kishan has been named his deputy.
When and where are the remaining India-New Zealand ODIs?
The teams will now move to Mount Maunganui for the final two matches. The fourth ODI is scheduled for November 13, followed by the fifth on November 15, both at Bay Oval.
India will look to finish the series strongly under Iyer, while New Zealand will be keen to avoid a home series defeat. After three matches dominated by weather interruptions, both sides will hope the remaining fixtures finally offer uninterrupted cricket.
(With inputs from ANI)