Heavy rain forecast threatens NZ vs IND third ODI in Hamilton; India lead 2-0
India and New Zealand are scheduled to play the third ODI of their five-match series at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, November 10, with the match set to begin at 7:30 AM IST and a heavy rain forecast putting play at risk. India enter the fixture holding a 2-0 lead in the series.
India have won the opening two matches and arrive with the opportunity to become the first visiting side since 2019 to win a bilateral ODI series in New Zealand. A victory in Hamilton would secure the series and register a consecutive series win on this tour for India.
Both of the opening ODIs were affected by rain: starts were delayed in each game, there were multiple rain interruptions, and both matches were reduced to fewer overs. The second ODI finished under the DLS method, with India declared winners by a margin of four runs.
AccuWeather’s forecast for Hamilton shows heavy rain throughout the day with precipitation predicted to exceed 90 percent. The service projects the heaviest rain to persist from 2:30 PM on Tuesday through 1:30 AM on Wednesday, with a maximum temperature of 18°C and average winds of 18-20 kmph.
Local reports and social media have circulated images of heavy rain near Seddon Park, and the area has experienced continuous rain over the past couple of days. The Seddon Park pitch remains under cover as a result.
With the wicket covered, there is a significant chance of a delayed start and the possibility that the match could be washed out; if the third ODI is abandoned, India would be in a position where they cannot lose the series. New Zealand’s batting has struggled in the series and has not adjusted well to conditions, while Indian batters have also found the seam and bounce challenging even as India’s bowling unit has produced stronger contributions.
The third NZ vs IND ODI will take place at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, with the weather forecast and ground coverings likely to determine whether a result can be achieved.