India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI abandoned due to rain in Hamilton | India lead 2-0
The third ODI between India and New Zealand in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball bowled. India lead 2-0 and cannot lose the series. Check the next match dates and details
PTC Web Desk: The third ODI between India and New Zealand in Hamilton on Tuesday was called off due to persistent rain. Only the toss could be completed before the weather took over and the match was abandoned without a single delivery being bowled.
The umpires had initially reduced the game to 40 overs per side, but the rain did not let up and play never got underway. The players from both teams shook hands on the field before leaving.
India can no longer lose the series
The washout has a clear consequence for the five-match series. India already hold a 2-0 lead after winning the first two games. Even if New Zealand win both remaining matches, the series would end 2-2 and be shared. In other words, the hosts can now only draw it, not win it.
Toss and team news
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss for the second match in a row, again calling tails and chose to bowl first. He said the conditions looked clear and the team wanted to repeat the good things from the earlier games. India made no changes to their playing XI.
New Zealand made one change. Matt Fisher came in for Jacob Duffy. Captain Mitchell Santner said the team had practised well on Tuesday, and added that the pitch had been under covers for a long time, so there could be some moisture in it.
Rules for the reduced game
Had play been possible, the 40-over match would have followed these conditions:
Each bowler could bowl a maximum of 8 overs.
Powerplay 1: overs 1 to 8.
Powerplay 2: overs 9 to 32.
Powerplay 3: overs 33 to 40.
A record neither side wants
The abandonment also adds to an unusual statistic. India and New Zealand share the record for the most ODIs lost to rain and other reasons. India have played 1,086 ODIs, of which 44 were abandoned. New Zealand have played 860, with 44 also abandoned.
What’s next
The remaining two games will be played on November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui. The weather forecast there looks better, so both matches are expected to be completed.