Rain leaves India waiting for New Zealand to get another lifeline

India’s wait for a series win will continue after persistent rain washed out the third ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday. Even after the toss was completed and the match was reduced to 40 overs per side, the weather refused to clear, leaving the umpires with no option but to abandon the match without a ball being bowled.

Shubman Gill won the toss for the third time in a row and opted to bowl, with India keeping the same playing XI. New Zealand made one change, bringing in Matt Fisher for Blair Tickner. There was a brief window of optimism as the ground staff prepared the pitch, but another spell of rain put paid to any early hopes.

New Zealand vs India, 3rd ODI: UPDATE

The win takes India 2-0 up in the five-match series, having won both the opening matches by DLS method. The first ODI in Auckland was reduced to 32 overs per side, with India chasing a revised target of 143 to win by five wickets. The second match in Wellington was also shortened, with India securing a four-run win at DLS after being left at 113 for seven in their chase of 135.

The teams will now move to Mount Maunganui for the final two ODIs, scheduled for November 13 and 15 at the Bay Oval. With the third match over, India will need one more win to seal the series, while New Zealand need to win both the remaining matches to level it.

WILL RAIN SPOIL REMAINING NZ VS IND ODI?

After rain affected the first two matches and ruined the third, the weather will remain a theme as the series moves to Mount Maunganui. The forecast for Friday’s fourth ODI is more encouraging, with mostly sunny conditions and only a minimal chance of rain. The outlook for Sunday’s series finale is less reassuring, with a 55 percent chance of precipitation and clouds expected. Closer to the matches, the forecast could change, but further disruptions cannot be ruled out.

Hamilton’s win was particularly frustrating for India, who were hoping to end the series with two matches to spare. Instead, the final stage now holds more significance for both sides, with the weather potentially having another say in the outcome.

BIG STAFF CHANGES ARE COMING

The last two ODIs will see a change in India’s leadership. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will leave the ODI squad to join the preparations for the Test series, with Shreyas Iyer taking over as captain and Ishan Kishan named vice-captain. Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra, Auqib Nabi and Yash Thakur are among the players included in the squad for the last two matches. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain available.

New Zealand will also field a different group, with several players leaving for Test preparation. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith are among those making the switch to the red-ball team. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert are part of the group coming into the final two ODIs, along with Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Mitch Haye and Nick Kelly.

The changes add another layer to the series equation. New Zealand have won their last 11 bilateral ODI series at home, with their previous series defeat coming against India in 2019. That record is now under threat. The hosts need to win both the remaining matches to level the series and avoid defeat, while India need just one win to secure the series win and a good boost for their World Cup 2027 build-up.

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