India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI: Match abandoned due to persistent rain in Hamilton, visitors retain 2-0 series lead

The third ODI between India and New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton was called off due to persistent rain on Tuesday, November 10. After multiple interruptions and several inspection delays, the umpires eventually decided that conditions were not suitable for play, bringing an end to the contest without a ball being bowled.

The officials had assessed the playing conditions before communicating their decision to both captains. Players from both teams subsequently shook hands, confirming the abandonment of the match.

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The washout means India retain their 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. The visitors have now secured an unassailable lead and cannot lose the series, although New Zealand still have an opportunity to level it with victories in the remaining two matches.

Rain plays spoilsport in Hamilton

Rain had threatened the contest from the outset, with the match already facing a delay of around two hours before the scheduled start. India had won the toss and elected to bowl, but persistent showers prevented the two teams from taking the field.

The weather offered brief periods of relief, raising hopes of a possible restart. However, the conditions continued to deteriorate, with groundstaff repeatedly working to protect the pitch and the playing area.

An inspection had been scheduled for 17:30 local time (10:00 AM IST), but the rain continued to disrupt proceedings. The umpires and groundstaff remained in discussions as the covers stayed in place.

As the weather showed little improvement, the possibility of a shortened contest also began to fade. The cut-off time for a 20-over match was 20:02 local time (12:32 PM IST).

Eventually, the umpires called off the match at 18:41 local time after assessing the conditions. The decision brought an end to a frustrating day for both teams and the spectators in Hamilton.

Visitors hold unassailable lead

India had won the opening ODI in Auckland by five wickets, chasing a revised DLS target of 143 in 22.2 overs. The visitors followed it up with another victory in the second ODI in Wellington, where rain brought an end to New Zealand's hopes of defending their target of 135.

India were 113/7 when the second match was abandoned, four runs ahead of the DLS par score, handing the visitors a win under the DLS method.

The third ODI washout means India remain 2-0 ahead in the series. New Zealand will now have to win both remaining matches to draw the five-match contest. The hosts will also have to deal with the absence of some key players, who are expected to join the Test squad ahead of the upcoming two-match series.