NEW DELHI: Rain played spoilsport once again as the third ODI between India and New Zealand was called off at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday. Despite a delay of more than two hours, the weather did not allow any play. The umpires eventually decided to abandon the match after rain returned and made conditions unsuitable for cricket.India continue to lead the five-match series 2-0.The two teams will now travel to Mount Maunganui for the final two ODIs, scheduled to be played on November 13 and 15.
Rain washes out third ODI after toss
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss for the third consecutive time in the ODI series and elected to bowl. The toss was originally scheduled for 2:30 PM local time (7:00 AM IST) but was delayed by more than two hours due to rain and a wet outfield. The match was later reduced to 40 overs per side.However, just as the ground staff were removing the covers to prepare for the match, rain returned and forced them to cover the pitch again.There was still enough time to play a 20-over match, but the weather showed no signs of improving. With the local cut-off time of 7:50 PM (12:20 PM) approaching, the umpires decided to call off the match.The forecast had already predicted a 90 per cent chance of rain throughout the day.
India take unassailable 2-0 lead
India had won the first two matches of the series, both of which were affected by rain. The visitors won the opening ODI in Auckland by five wickets while chasing a revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.In the second ODI in Wellington, India registered a four-run victory under the DLS method to take a 2-0 lead.With the third match ending without a result, India cannot lose the series. New Zealand will now have to win the remaining two matches to draw the series.The washout also ended New Zealand’s run of 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series victories at home. South Africa hold the record with 17 successive home ODI series wins between 2002 and 2007.
Shubman Gill’s last ODI, Shreyas Iyer to lead India
The third ODI was also the final match of the series for Shubman Gill and senior wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul. Both players will now join India’s Test squad in Wellington. Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj and Mohammed Siraj will also link up with the Test team.Shreyas Iyer will take charge of India for the remaining two ODIs in Gill’s absence.The fourth and fifth ODIs will be played at Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15 respectively.
