The third ODI between India and New Zealand in Hamilton was washed out due to rain. Rain began even before the match could start and continued intermittently; observing that conditions were not suitable for play, the umpires decided to call off the match. After three matches, India leads the five-match ODI series 2-0.
New Zealand has suffered the most from this abandonment, as their hopes of winning the series hinged on this match. They could have potentially won the series by securing three consecutive victories, but with the third match being washed out, their only remaining possibility is to force a draw—a feat that would require them to win both of the remaining two matches. India, meanwhile, needs just one more win to clinch the series. Only the toss took place.
Rain arrived before the scheduled start. It stopped and resumed several times, causing a delay to the toss. Eventually, after a two-hour delay, the toss took place at 9:00 PM; Indian captain Shubman Gill won it and elected to bowl. However, rain returned shortly after the toss, preventing the match from ever getting underway, leading the umpires to abandon it. Team India to see changes.
Two matches remain in the series. The fourth match is scheduled for November 13 in Mount Maunganui, which will also host the final match. However, the composition of Team India will change for these encounters. Shubman Gill will no longer serve as captain; Shreyas Iyer will take over the leadership role. Several players will depart to prepare for the upcoming Test series, while new players will join the squad to participate in the final two matches.
