India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Washed Out by Rain
The third One-Day International between India and New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, November 10, after persistent rain prevented play. The washout leaves India leading the five-match ODI series 2-0, ensuring the visitors cannot lose the series with two matches remaining.
India vs New Zealand Third ODI Washed Out in Hamilton
Rain repeatedly disrupted preparations, delaying the toss and forcing officials to reduce the scheduled 50-over contest to 40 overs per side.
Indian captain Shubman Gill eventually won the toss and elected to bowl, but showers returned before either team could take the field.
Ground staff made several attempts to prepare the outfield as the covers were repeatedly removed and replaced. However, deteriorating conditions prevented play from beginning.
The umpires officially abandoned the match at 6:41 pm local time following further rain and concerns over the time required to prepare the ground.
India Retain 2-0 Lead in Five-Match ODI Series
India entered the Hamilton encounter after winning the opening two ODIs against New Zealand.
The abandoned match means New Zealand must win both remaining fixtures to level the series 2-2, while India require just one victory to secure the series.
India selected an unchanged playing XI for the third ODI, while New Zealand included Matthew Fisher in place of Blair Tickner.
India and New Zealand Prepare for Final Two ODIs
The remaining matches will take place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.
Both teams will undergo significant squad changes ahead of those encounters as several players leave to prepare for the upcoming Test series.
New Zealand will be without Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham and Nathan Smith.
India will also lose captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul to Test preparations.
