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Rain threat looms large as India aim to level series


Published : 29 Nov 2022 08:02 PM

'Scattered showers' are predicted in Christchurch on Thursday. The way the ongoing India's tour of New Zealand has panned out, at the moment, the weather seems to be the top concern for the two teams - both of whom have secured their places in next year's 50-over world cup. India, at best, have an opportunity to level the three-match series when they face the hosts at the Hagley Oval on last November day.

Having three of the five matches in the tour already impacted by rain, Shubman Gill expressed his frustration over the prevailing weather conditions in as many words after the last game was abandoned. Even as the matches, which are taking place only a few weeks after the T20 World Cup, hold little significance for the two teams, it had opened up opportunities for several players, like Gill, from the near second-string Indian side to force their way up in the team management's priority order.

New Zealand, who secured a win in the first match and split points in the second, would have lesser reasons to fuss about, especially since many of their 50-over regulars were a part of the semifinal campaign at the world cup in Australia. They could do with a bit of rest, but it is unlikely to come too easy. They might have to go through multiple rounds of in-and-out movement from the field to ensure that their undefeated run in home ODIs continues and they seal another series win.