Rain keeps India waiting as New Zealand get another lifeline

Rain disrupted all three matches in the India-New Zealand ODI series, with the third game abandoned without a ball being bowled. India remain 2-0 ahead, but changes in both squads add another twist to the final two ODIs.Despite the toss being held, the second break from rain never arrived in Hamilton. (Photo: AFP)New Delhi,Nov 10, 2026 11:54 ISTIndia's wait for a series-clinching victory will continue after persistent rain washed out the third ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday. Even after the toss was completed and the match was reduced to 40 overs per side, the weather refused to clear, leaving the umpires with no option but to abandon the contest without a ball being bowled.Shubman Gill won the toss for the third consecutive time and opted to bowl, with India retaining the same playing XI. New Zealand made one change, bringing in Matt Fisher for Blair Tickner. There was a brief window of optimism as the groundstaff prepared the playing area, but another spell of rain put paid to any hopes of a start.New Zealand vs India, 3rd ODI: UPDATESThe washout means India remain 2-0 ahead in the five-match series, having won both opening matches through the DLS method. The first ODI in Auckland was reduced to 32 overs per side, with India chasing a revised target of 143 to win by five wickets. The second match in Wellington was also shortened, with India securing a four-run victory on DLS after being left at 113 for seven in their chase of 135. The teams now move to Mount Maunganui for the final two ODIs, scheduled for November 13 and 15 at Bay Oval. With the third match abandoned, India will need one more win to seal the series, while New Zealand must win both remaining games to level it.WILL RAIN SPOIL REMAINING NZ VS IND ODIs?After rain affected the first two matches and wiped out the third, the weather will remain a talking point as the series moves to Mount Maunganui. The forecast for Friday's fourth ODI is more encouraging, with mostly sunny conditions and only a minimal chance of rain. Sunday's outlook for the series finale is less reassuring, with a 55 per cent chance of precipitation and cloudy conditions expected. The forecast could change closer to the matches, but another interruption cannot be ruled out. The Hamilton washout was particularly frustrating for India, who had hoped to wrap up the series with two matches to spare. Instead, the final leg now carries greater significance for both sides, with the weather potentially having another say in the outcome.BIG SQUAD CHANGES COMING UPThe final two ODIs will bring a change in leadership for India. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will leave the ODI group to join the preparations for the Test series, with Shreyas Iyer taking over as captain and Ishan Kishan named vice-captain. Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra, Auqib Nabi and Yash Thakur are among the players included in the squad for the last two matches. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain available.New Zealand will also field a different group, with several players leaving for Test preparations. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith are among those moving across to the red-ball squad. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert are part of the group coming in for the final two ODIs, alongside Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay and Nick Kelly.The changes add another layer to the series equation. New Zealand have won their last 11 bilateral ODI series at home, with their previous series defeat coming against India in 2019. That record is now under threat. The hosts must win both remaining matches to level the series and avoid defeat, while India need just one victory to secure a series win and a good boost for their 2027 World Cup prep.- Ends