Cricket
oi-Madhuri Adnal
The toss for the third ODI between India and New Zealand has been delayed after heavy rain returned at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday.
India are leading the five match series 2-0 and will be looking to seal the series with another win. However, the weather has once again become the biggest hurdle, with persistent rain keeping the ground covered.
Heavy rain delayed the toss for the third India vs. New Zealand ODI in Hamilton, with India leading the five-match series 2-0. A ground inspection is scheduled for 8:15 am IST to assess playability.
The latest update from Hamilton is that the rain has stopped, but the covers remain firmly in place. Match officials are scheduled to inspect the ground at 3:45 pm local time, which is 8:15 am IST.
Earlier, rain had returned just as fans were waiting for the toss. Ground staff were seen working to keep the playing surface ready, but the conditions were not suitable for the match to begin.
The weather had been a concern even before the game. According to AccuWeather, Hamilton was under a heavy rain watch from 3 am local time on Tuesday until 1 am on Wednesday. The forecast had indicated a 100 per cent chance of precipitation during the day, raising concerns about further interruptions.
India have already won the first two matches of the series, both of which were affected by rain.
In the opening ODI in Auckland, India chased a revised target of 143 in 22.2 overs to win by five wickets. The second match in Wellington also ended under the DLS method, with India declared winners after rain stopped play while they were 113/7 chasing 135.
A win in Hamilton would give India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five match series.
India look to seal series
India’s bowling attack has been one of the biggest positives of the tour so far. New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in the opening ODI and managed only 134 in Wellington.
Gurnoor Brar was the standout performer in the second ODI, claiming a career best 4/30. Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel also played important roles as India’s bowlers kept the New Zealand batting line-up under pressure.
The hosts will need a much stronger batting effort if they are to stay alive in the series. Daryl Mitchell was one of the few bright spots in the second ODI, scoring 55, while Mitchell Santner added 31.
New Zealand’s top order, however, has struggled to provide a solid platform. Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips will be expected to take greater responsibility if the hosts get a chance to bat in Hamilton.
Rohit Sharma and India eye another win
Rohit Sharma has not had the easiest start to the New Zealand series, while Virat Kohli looked in good touch during his short stay at the crease in Wellington.
With India already 2-0 ahead, the third ODI also comes at an important point in the tour. It is the final ODI before some members of the squad split from the group to prepare for the Test series beginning next week.
India have played 12 ODIs at Seddon Park in Hamilton, winning three, while one match ended without a result.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on the weather. The next major update will come after the scheduled ground inspection at 8:15 am IST.
