Rain Delays Toss as India Aim to Seal ODI Series Against New Zealand in Hamilton
The start of the third One Day International between India and New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton faced delays on Tuesday following repeated interruptions caused by rain. Groundstaff at the venue worked through passing showers to remove the covers, setting a rescheduled toss time for 3:02 PM local time (7:32 AM IST), with play planned to commence at 3:30 PM local time (8:00 AM IST).
India enter the third match holding a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, having recorded victories in the opening two encounters in Auckland and Wellington. Led by Shubman Gill, the visitors have an opportunity to secure an unassailable series victory with two matches remaining.
New Zealand Face Squad Adjustments Amid Injuries
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner faces additional challenges as his side attempts to keep the series alive. The hosts have been hit by injury setbacks to their pace attack ahead of the Hamilton match. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the final two ODIs due to a right-calf tear, while Blair Tickner is also unavailable for the remainder of the series after suffering a blow to his helmet during the second ODI in Wellington. Kristian Clarke has been drafted into the squad as cover.
The host nation's batting unit has struggled in the series so far, being bowled out for 185 in Auckland and 134 in Wellington. Daryl Mitchell, who scored 55 in the second match, and Glenn Phillips remain key figures for New Zealand as they look to counter India's bowling lineup.
India's Form and Selection Context
India's pace bowlers have driven the team's dominant performance in the series. Seamer Gurnoor Brar recorded figures of 4-30 in the second ODI, while Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel have provided consistent support. In the batting department, Virat Kohli contributed 74 in the opening match, while KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 26 in a rain-affected second match where India had slipped to 113/7 before weather intervened.
Ahead of the encounter, former India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate commented on the team's selection choices, questioning the omission of batter Yashasvi Jaiswal from the ODI lineup. Jaiswal has registered 285 runs across six ODI matches at an average of 71.25, including two centuries, but currently remains outside the playing XI.
