Rain Washes Out Third ODI, India Retain 2-0 Lead- IPL

The third ODI between India and New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. India remain 2-0 ahead in the five-match series, with two games remaining, and are now assured of avoiding a series defeat. Rain had disrupted the build-up over the previous two days, including the teams’ practice sessions. Despite several attempts to get the match underway, the weather continued to interrupt proceedings.

Rain Delays Toss And Forces Match Abandonment

The toss was initially delayed by 30 minutes, with no overs reduced. However, further showers pushed it back again, and the match was eventually reduced to 40 overs per side.Shubman Gill won the toss for the third consecutive time and elected to bowl. Mitchell Santner suffered his seventh toss defeat of the tour. However, drizzle returned before the players could take the field.

The ground staff repeatedly brought on and removed the covers as conditions changed. The umpires scheduled an inspection for 5:30 PM local time, but the rain intensified again. With another 30 to 40 minutes required to prepare the outfield, the officials abandoned the match at 6:41 PM. The decision came well before the 8:02 PM cut-off time for a 20-over contest.

India And New Zealand Make Changes To Playing XIs

India retained their playing XI for the third ODI after taking a 2-0 lead in the series. New Zealand made one change, bringing Matthew Fisher into the side in place of Blair Tickner. The abandoned match means India have secured a series result without the possibility of defeat. New Zealand must now win both remaining matches to level the series.

Both Teams Face Key Absences For Final Two ODIs

The final two matches will take place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday and Sunday. New Zealand will need victories in both games to draw the series. However, the hosts will be without Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham and Nathan Smith. All five players will leave the ODI squad to join the Test team. India will also lose Shubman Gill and KL Rahul for the same reason. Both teams will therefore have to make adjustments to their combinations for the remaining matches.