Third ODI Abandoned Due to Rain as India Retain Upper Hand Against New Zealand

Persistent rain brought an end to the third One-Day International (ODI) between India and New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, with not a single delivery being bowled despite the completion of the toss. The abandonment leaves India with a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series, although the visitors will have to wait for the remaining fixtures to secure the series victory.

The match faced a delay of more than two hours due to intermittent showers and a wet outfield. Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field, but persistent rain forced officials to abandon the contest after attempts to prepare the ground for a reduced 40-over match failed.

India had earlier secured a five-wicket victory in Auckland and followed it with a thrilling four-run win in Wellington. Both matches were affected by rain and decided under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The latest washout means India need just one victory from the remaining two matches to clinch the series, while New Zealand must win both to level it 2-2.

The result also ends New Zealand's impressive 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series victories at home, a streak dating back to their previous home-series defeat against India in 2019. The hosts now face pressure to recover and avoid a series defeat.

India will also undergo leadership changes for the final two matches, with Gill and KL Rahul expected to join the Test squad. Shreyas Iyer will captain the ODI side, with Ishan Kishan as vice-captain. Players including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra could get opportunities in the reshaped squad.

The fourth and fifth ODIs will be played at Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. India will aim to complete the series victory, while New Zealand will seek to restore confidence and finish their home campaign on a positive note.