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The third ODI match between India and New Zealand had to be abandoned due to rain. Persistent rain in Hamilton on Tuesday (November 10) meant the match was called off without a single ball being bowled. Although the toss took place after a delay of more than two hours—with Indian captain Shubman Gill winning it and electing to bowl first—the match had already been reduced to 40 overs per side. However, heavy rain returned immediately after the toss, forcing the abandonment of the match without a single delivery.

Persistent rain in Hamilton

At the start, the rain was light but intensified intermittently. Due to the continuous downpour, the pitch had to be covered. The umpires inspected the ground several times, but the intermittent rain prevented play from beginning. Although there was still time remaining before the scheduled close of play, the forecast indicated rain throughout the day in Hamilton, leaving no choice but to abandon the match. It is worth noting that India currently leads the five-match ODI series 2-0. Team India had a great opportunity to seal the series with a win in this match, but they will now have to wait a little longer due to the rain. The fourth match of the series will now be played on Friday (November 13) in Mount Maunganui.

All matches in the series affected by rain

India won the first two matches of the series, both of which were also impacted by rain. The first match, held in Auckland, was reduced to 32 overs; India successfully chased down the target of 143 runs, losing 5 wickets in the process. The second match took place in Wellington, where the number of overs also had to be reduced due to rain. In that match, the entire New Zealand team was bundled out for just 134 runs. When India had reached 113 runs, heavy rain interrupted play, and India was subsequently declared the winner by 4 runs under the DLS method. India has now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series; Team India can no longer lose this series.