IND VS NZ ODI

Right then, that is it from this game. The rain gods interrupt and the game ends with no result. New Zealand win the series 1-0 and Kane Williamson picks up the ODI series trophy. India now has an ODI series lined up with Bangladesh. The first game is on 4th December at 11.30 am IST (6:00 am GMT). Do join us early for the build-up as well. Till then, take care. Cheers!

Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says that they applied themselves nicely in the first ODI which was eventually series-defining. Adds that is odd to have so much rain during this time of the year. Feels like seamers did well to extract purchase from the wicket. Daryl Mitchell and Adam Milne combined well with the ball. Shares that Adam Milne kept going despite a niggle. Also says that it is nice to get a well-deserved break from the busy schedule and now the focus shifts to the Test arena. Ends by saying that it is nice to have some new faces and that he is excited about the challenge.

Shikhar Dhawan, the skipper of India, says that he hopes the weather in Bangladesh would be better. Adds that this a young unit and they have learned a lot from this series. Feels that bowlers bowled a bit short and they need to be consistent with their lengths. Also says that batters would have learned to take the partnership deep. Feels that it is always challenging in seaming and overcast conditions in New Zealand. Reckons that it will be a totally different side with senior players back in the side. Feels that playing in the sub-continent conditions would be good preparation for the ODI World Cup. Ends by saying that they are always grateful for the support of the fans and they will give the fans many more reasons to be happy in the future.

Tom Latham is the Player of the Series for his match-winning knock in the first ODI. He says that it was a nice evening for the whole group in the first ODI. Adds that it is a shame not to get any play in the other two ODIs. Shares that it is nice to get a series win. Reckons that the bowlers bowled well in the morning with some assistance from the wicket. Feels it was a great effort to restrict India to 220. Also says that it was a great opening stand by Finn Allen and Devon Conway. Ends by saying that a lot of guys have played together in the IPL and it is a nice camaraderie with India.

Stay tuned for the Presentations ...

Earlier in the game, The Indian batters just couldn't gather any momentum as the wickets kept on tumbling for them. Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar played a good knock scoring 49 and 51 respectively. Daryl Mitchell and Adam Milne were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand as they bagged three wickets each. They restricted India to a below-par total of 219 and were on their course to chase the total but the rain gods had something else planned for them.

India was outplayed in this game but seeing at the bright side, this series have provided a great learning experience for this young Indian side. Gill performed exceedingly well, Washington Sundar was outstanding in this series, and the young players got a chance to get some experience at the international level. Going ahead, they will be hoping for a better performance in their bowling unit.

The Kiwis always had the upper hand in the game and clearly, they were the better side in the game. Their openers started well for them and Finn Allen was dismissed for 57 after an amazing knock. They were104/1 inside 18 overs where the rain played a spoilsport. Nonetheless, they win the series by 1-0 and they will be the happier side at the end of the series.

Update 2.35 pm IST (9.05 am GMT) - The match has been ABANDONED! The ground staff tried their best to get the field ready to play as and when the rain stopped. But, persistent rain meant no more play was possible today. New Zealand win the ODI series 1-0!

Update 2.31 pm IST (9.01 am GMT) - It is still raining and the covers are still on. Even if the rain stops now, it might take some time to clear up the damage. We have 49 minutes remaining to get in those 2 overs to have a result in this game. Stay tuned for further updates.

The sun is shining brightly in Pallekele where Afghanistan have won the toss and have opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI that will begin at 2.30 pm IST ( 9.00 am GMT). With them being 1-0 down in the series, Sri Lanka will look to level the series and collect crucial ODI Super League points. On the other hand, Afghanistan, who have sealed their ODI World Cup spot, will look to clinch this series 2-0. Do switch tabs and follow our coverage of that game.

Update 1.55 pm IST (8:25 am GMT) - It still continues to rain here at Hagley Oval, Christchurch and it won't be long before we start losing overs. New Zealand is 50 ahead of the DLS par score but this is only when we complete 20 overs of play. For now, the waiting game continues.

Update 1.34 pm IST (8.04 am GMT) - The covers are still on and this doesn't look like a drizzle. Let's hope the rain gods show some mercy and we can have some cricketing action soon. Fingers crossed.

As we wait for the rain to relent at the Hagley Oval, in the meantime you can switch tabs and follow our coverage of the 1st Test between Australia and West Indies as Australia is batting for 197/2 on the first day. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 12.51 pm IST (7.21 am GMT) - It has started to rain and the ground staff rush onto the ground with covers. Let's hope that this is just a passing shower. Remember, we need 20 overs to be bowled in the New Zealand innings to have a result.

Fuller one on leg, Devon Conway flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Bowls it outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone towards the keeper.

FOUR! Fine shot. Slightly shorter and on off, Devon Conway pulls it hard and through deep mid-wicket for a boundary!

Fuller and on off, Devon Conway drives it but finds the fielder at covers.