India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Abandoned Due To Persistent Rain In Hamilton

The third ODI between India and New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Persistent rainfall and a wet outfield prevented the teams from beginning the contest.

India currently leads the five-match series 2-0, with the final two matches scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

Heavy rainfall over the previous 12 hours had already threatened the fixture. Although the showers stopped briefly, another spell of rain forced ground staff to cover the playing surface.

After a two-hour delay, the toss eventually took place, with India electing to bowl for the third consecutive time. However, rain returned shortly afterwards.

The cut-off time for a 20-over contest was 12:32 PM IST. Persistent showers and the additional preparation required to make the pitch playable left officials with no option but to abandon the match.

Rain has disrupted all three matches of the series. India won the opening ODI in Auckland by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method while chasing a revised target of 143.

In the second match in Wellington, India secured victory under the DLS method after rain interrupted their chase at 113/7, leaving them four runs ahead of the par score.

India will enter the final two ODIs with a reshuffled squad. Shreyas Iyer will take over the captaincy from Shubman Gill, who will prepare for the upcoming two-match Test series alongside other red-ball players.

The teams will next meet at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday, with India already assured of at least a series draw.

Also Read: Rain Delays Toss In Third India-New Zealand ODI In Hamilton