The third one-day international match between India and New Zealand has been officially abandoned due to persistent inclement weather and continuous rain. Scheduled to take place at Seddon Park in Hamilton, the contest became a washout as downpours disrupted proceedings to the extent that not even a single delivery could be bowled. This unfortunate abandonment has effectively robbed the hosts New Zealand of a crucial opportunity to mount a comeback in the ongoing series.
Weather disruptions and delayed toss in Hamilton
The fixture was originally slated to get underway at seven-thirty in the morning Indian Standard Time. However, heavy overcast skies and intermittent showers forced a significant delay right from the start, pushing back the toss considerably. Although officials managed to conduct the toss after a lengthy wait, the rain immediately returned with renewed intensity. With conditions failing to improve thereafter, the on-field umpires had no option left other than to call off the game entirely.
Current series standing after the washout
During the course of the day, brief spells of weather relief did flicker on and off, raising hopes among fans and players that a shortened contest might finally begin. Those expectations, however, proved short-lived as the persistent bad weather rolled right back in. Despite the third ODI being washed out, the Indian squad firmly holds a two-nil advantage across the five-match series, ensuring that New Zealand can no longer claim a series victory.
