India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI: Toss delayed due to persistent rain threat in Hamilton

Intermittent rain has continued to delay the start of the third ODI between India and New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, with persistent showers preventing ground staff from preparing the playing area for action.

The match was already under a weather cloud following heavy rainfall in the city over the last 12 hours. Although the rain briefly stopped and ground staff began working on the outfield, another spell of showers forced the covers back onto the square, further delaying the scheduled toss.

The toss, originally scheduled for 2:30 PM local time (7:00 AM IST), was initially pushed back due to the interruption. Officials subsequently announced that the toss would take place at 3:02 PM local time (7:32 AM IST), with play scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM local time (8:00 AM IST). However, persistent rain continued to disrupt proceedings, leaving the start of the match uncertain.

There was a slight reason for optimism later in the morning, with officials scheduling another inspection at 3:45 PM local time (8:15 AM IST) to assess the playing conditions. However, the rain was still coming down as of 3:10 PM local time (7:40 AM IST), with no significant improvement in the weather.

Rain had been a major concern in the lead-up to the fixture, with AccuWeather issuing a heavy rain watch for Hamilton from 3 AM local time on Tuesday until 1 AM on Wednesday. The forecast had also indicated a 100 per cent chance of precipitation during the day, raising the possibility of further interruptions.

The weather has already played a significant role in the ongoing three-match series, with both previous ODIs affected by rain. India's outdoor training session ahead of the final match was also curtailed due to persistent showers and subsequently shifted indoors.

India head into the contest with an unassailable 2-0 lead after securing rain-affected victories in Auckland and Wellington.

The visitors won the opening ODI by five wickets in Auckland while chasing a revised DLS target of 143 in 22.2 overs. In the second ODI in Wellington, India were declared winners under the DLS method after rain brought an end to proceedings with the visitors at 113/7 while chasing 135, four runs ahead of the DLS par score.

India will now look to complete a series clean sweep, while New Zealand will be eager to salvage some pride in the final ODI. However, the weather remains the biggest obstacle, with both teams hoping conditions improve sufficiently for play to get underway.