India retain series lead as Hamilton ODI is washed out

India retained their 2-0 series lead over New Zealand after the third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball being bowled on November 10, 2026. There was a brief opportunity for the toss, which India won before choosing to field, but persistent rain prevented any play.

The no-result also ended New Zealand’s run of 11 consecutive home bilateral men’s ODI series wins, described as the second-longest such streak. Having entered the match two games behind in the series, New Zealand can now only draw the contest across the final two fixtures in Mount Maunganui.

Rain prevents Hamilton contest from starting

Rain began in Hamilton on the afternoon before the match and rarely relented thereafter. During a short break in the downpour, the groundstaff prepared the surface quickly enough for the toss to take place.

India won that toss and elected to bowl first in what was initially expected to be a 40-over match. The decision continued India’s strong record at the toss on the tour: it was their seventh win in eight attempts.

However, the weather returned before the toss formalities had concluded. It did not ease for long enough afterwards for the covers to be removed and for the match to begin. After a lengthy wait, officials called the game off with neither side having faced a delivery.

The abandonment meant there were no batting or bowling figures, no innings and no revised target. The match was recorded as a no result, with the series score remaining in India’s favour at 2-0.

Series moves to Mount Maunganui

The washout leaves New Zealand needing results in both remaining ODIs if they are to level the series. The final two matches are scheduled for Friday and Sunday in Mount Maunganui, before the sides begin a two-Test series.

The report noted that New Zealand’s home summer schedule has been compressed into spring because of a full India tour ahead of New Zealand’s own trip to Australia. Rain has been more frequent than usual even for spring, although the teams had managed to complete two shortened ODIs in the preceding week.

The outlook for Mount Maunganui was reported to be much better, raising the prospect of completed matches over the weekend. Those fixtures now carry added importance for New Zealand, whose chance of winning the ODI series has gone following India’s first two victories and the Hamilton washout.

For India, the abandoned match preserves the advantage built earlier in the series. Their immediate focus shifts to the final two ODIs, while the wider tour is also moving toward the Test leg.

Gill’s ODI stint ends; Iyer set to lead

The Hamilton match was Shubman Gill’s last of the ODI leg. Gill, identified as India’s Test captain, is due to move into red-ball preparation ahead of the Test series.

Shreyas Iyer will captain the Indian side in Gill’s absence. New Zealand had also planned for Matt Henry to switch focus, but he was given extra time with the national team medical staff after sustaining an injury in a collision with Devon Conway on the eve of the series.

For now, though, the principal outcome in Hamilton was dictated entirely by the weather: a toss was held, India chose to field, and the third ODI never progressed beyond that point.