India maintained their 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand after the third match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Hamilton on Tuesday. The washout also brought an end to New Zealand's remarkable 11 consecutive home bilateral ODI series victories.
New Zealand, who entered the third ODI trailing 2-0, can now only aim to level the series by winning the remaining two matches scheduled for Friday and Sunday at Mount Maunganui.
Rain began falling in Hamilton on Monday afternoon and continued throughout the match day, allowing only a brief window for the ground staff to prepare the pitch. During that short break, India won the toss for the seventh time in eight attempts on the tour and elected to bowl first in what was initially expected to be a 40-over contest.
However, the rain returned before the toss interviews could even be completed and continued to disrupt proceedings. Despite the ground staff's efforts, conditions never improved enough to allow the match to begin.
New Zealand have experienced an unusually wet spring, with their home summer schedule compressed to accommodate India's full tour before their upcoming trip to Australia. Although rain has affected the series, the teams managed to complete the first two matches, albeit in shortened formats.
The weather forecast for Mount Maunganui, which will host the final two ODIs on Friday and Sunday, is considerably more promising, raising hopes of uninterrupted cricket.
The third ODI also marked the final appearance in the series for India's Test captain Shubman Gill, who will now shift his focus to preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. Shreyas Iyer is set to take over the captaincy for the remaining ODI matches in Gill's absence.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have decided to give fast bowler Matt Henry additional time with the national team's medical staff. Henry sustained an injury in a collision with Devon Conway on the eve of the series and will continue his recovery.
With India firmly in control of the series, New Zealand face a challenging task in the final two matches as they look to avoid a series defeat on home soil.
