India Tour Of NZ: 1st T20I Called Off As Rains Spoils The Party

The first Twenty20 encounter of the three-match series between India and New Zealand had to be abandoned due to heavy rain in Wellington on Friday (November 18).

Heavy rains persisted at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, where the coin toss was scheduled to be held at 11:30 PM IST. With additional thunderstorms and heavy rain forecasted, there was little prospect for an improvement in the forecast.

The teams were scheduled to face off in their first game since being eliminated in the semifinals of the recently finished T20 World Cup. New Zealand was defeated by Pakistan, while eventual winners England eliminated India.

Both teams are expected to put their World Cup setbacks behind them and look to start afresh. Both nations will be anticipating the 50-over World Cup in India next year having put the T20 World Cup behind them.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has been entrusted to lead the Indian side in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and other senior pros.

Veteran batter Martin Guptill was left out by the Kiwis, whereas seam bowler Trent Boult’s choice to deny a central contract did not win him any favours. Meanwhile, the quick bowlers on the team, who have not had many opportunities, will have a lot more of them as a result.