New Zealand are once again facing a tough challenge against India in the ongoing all-format tour. Just as they did in the T20I series, the hosts have lost the first two ODIs and are now at risk of another defeat, which would bring their impressive streak of home ODI series wins to an end.
New Zealand have won 11 consecutive ODI series at home, with their last series defeat coming against India in 2019. While they were comprehensively beaten in the opening ODI, they put up a much stronger fight in the second match.
The hosts came close to putting India under severe pressure after reducing them to 134 runs. Shubman Gill's team eventually managed to secure a narrow three-wicket victory through the DLS method, thanks to a match-winning contribution from KL Rahul, who scored 26 runs off 38 deliveries.
That was 26 off 38 balls, an innings almost as slow as Rahul's effort in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
New Zealand's batters have found it difficult to cope with India's relentless use of short-pitched deliveries. Their problems have also been compounded by the absence of several regular players due to injuries.
The third ODI appeared likely to follow a similar pattern, but New Zealand have another factor working in their favour this time.
Rain.
Rain and hailstorms could potentially wash out the third match in Hamilton, giving the hosts a chance to avoid another defeat.
The third ODI is scheduled to begin at 3 pm local time in Hamilton, according to the BBC Weather forecast.
With several Indian players expected to leave the squad for the final two ODIs because of their Test commitments, New Zealand could theoretically have a better opportunity to level the series if Tuesday's match is abandoned due to rain.
IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: TEAM NEWS
India will be eager to wrap up the series before turning their attention to the two-match Test series against New Zealand. The third ODI will be Shubman Gill's final appearance as captain in this series, as he is expected to join the Test squad ahead of the opening match in Wellington on November 19.
Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the last two ODIs in Tauranga. KL Rahul is also set to leave the ODI squad to join the Test team, potentially creating an opportunity for Ishan Kishan to take over wicketkeeping responsibilities.
India's bowling unit has been among the biggest positives of the series. Auqib Nabi has impressed, while Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh have also made valuable contributions. However, with the Test series approaching, India may prefer not to overwork their leading fast bowlers. Mohammed Siraj, in particular, could be rested to keep him fresh for the red-ball assignment.
New Zealand, meanwhile, continue to deal with a lengthy injury list. Devon Conway suffered a concussion after colliding with Matt Henry, while Rachin Ravindra's injury has further reduced the team's batting options. Blair Tickner is also unavailable after sustaining a concussion, with Kristian Clarke brought in as his replacement.
The hosts will need their experienced batters to deliver. Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls have struggled in the first two matches, while Tim Seifert and Will Young have failed to provide the strong starts the team requires. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips will also need to take on more responsibility in the middle order.
The third ODI presents an important opportunity for Latham and Nicholls to regain form before the Test series begins. New Zealand cannot afford another collapse at the top of the order, especially against an Indian bowling attack that has been able to exploit the conditions effectively.
IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: PITCH REPORT
Seddon Park has provided considerable assistance to fast bowlers, and the third ODI is expected to offer similar conditions. There is also a possibility of greater swing and seam movement if the match takes place.
India's pacers have used the available bounce and movement effectively, repeatedly troubling New Zealand's top-order batters with short-pitched deliveries.
IND vs NZ: HAMILTON WEATHER UPDATE
Weather conditions could ultimately determine the outcome of the Hamilton ODI. Rain and possible hailstorms have been forecast for Tuesday, with cold and wet conditions expected to create difficulties for both sides. Another weather-interrupted match is a genuine possibility, especially after the second ODI in Wellington was also affected by rain.
If the match gets underway, fast bowlers are likely to enjoy another favourable outing. New Zealand will hope to use their familiarity with the conditions to put India's batters under pressure, while the visitors will be looking for a more convincing batting performance than the one they produced in Wellington.
If the match is washed out, India will remain 2-0 ahead and will need just one victory from the remaining two games to clinch the series. However, the task could become more complicated for the visitors as several key players are expected to leave the ODI squad to prepare for the Tests. New Zealand, facing the possible end of their remarkable home series winning streak, will welcome any reprieve the weather provides.
IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: PREDICTED PLAYING XIS
New Zealand
Will Young, Tim Seifert, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Fisher/Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh
IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: LIVESTREAM
The third ODI is scheduled to start at 7:30 am IST on Tuesday, November 10. The match will be televised on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on SonyLiv.
