Rain could once again interrupt proceedings in the ongoing ODI series between New Zealand and India when the two sides meet in the second match at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on Saturday, November 7. The weather forecast has raised concerns over possible delays and interruptions, with showers expected during different parts of the day.
The series opener in Auckland was also affected by rain, forcing the match officials to revise India’s target during the chase. With Wellington experiencing persistent showers ahead of the second fixture, both teams could be in for another stop-start contest as they look to continue their preparations for the match.
Rain forecast for New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI in Wellington
According to AccuWeather, Wellington has a 60% chance of precipitation during the first half of Saturday, while the probability stands at 55% for the second half of the day. The match is scheduled to begin at 3 PM local time, which is 7:30 AM IST, with the forecast suggesting that rain could affect the start of play.
The hourly forecast indicates a relatively low chance of rain around noon and 1 PM local time, at 5% and 8% respectively. However, the probability rises to 49% at 2 PM before reaching 55% at 3 PM and 60% at 4 PM. Although the chances are expected to fall to 20% at 5 PM and 15% at 6 PM, the possibility of further showers later in the evening remains.
Persistent rain has already affected the preparations of both teams ahead of the contest. The sides were scheduled to train at Basin Reserve rather than Hnry Stadium, which is the match venue, but the weather forced them to change their plans. New Zealand shifted their practice session to the indoor facility at Wellington College, while India decided to cancel their scheduled training session.
How rain affected the first ODI in Auckland?
The opening ODI in Auckland on Wednesday also witnessed multiple rain interruptions, with the start of the match delayed by 10 minutes. After New Zealand were bowled out for 185, India were initially set a target of 186 runs in 50 overs. However, two spells of rain, which lasted approximately one hour and 40 minutes in total, resulted in the target being revised.
India eventually had to chase 143 runs in 32 overs under the DLS method. The visitors completed the task comfortably, reaching the target in 22.4 overs with five wickets remaining. Virat Kohli played a crucial role in the chase, scoring 74 off 51 deliveries, while Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his figures of 2/22 from 10 overs.
With another rain-affected fixture potentially on the cards, both teams will hope to get enough playing time in Wellington. Following the second ODI, the series will move to Hamilton for the third match on November 10, before the final two fixtures take place in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.
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