New Delhi: The first T20I between India and New Zealand was called off due to rain in Wellington. Two teams who got out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the semi-finals are facing each other in the 3-match T20I series. India is on a tour to New Zealand and Hardik Pandya is leading the T20I side with big names rested. On the other hand, Kane Williamson is leading a side with no Trent Boult.
While India has rested their regular openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul here is a chance for Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan to make a case for themselves. A question here is will India go for ‘Kul-cha’ again? While Axar Patel is rested, the management has brought back Washington Sundar, who was once India’s top bowler in T20Is and can bowl well with the new ball. But moreover, it will be a test for Hardik Pandya as a captain.
Preps ✅
Time to hit the ground running ? ?#TeamIndia | #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/2Z6te21HpK
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 18, 2022
Meanwhile, New Zealand seems to have moved on from Martin Guptill. While Trent Boult misses the T20Is, Lockie Ferguson has a bigger role to play. With conditions in their favour, it is a good platform for James Neesham to get back in form and Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips to become the next big thing for the Kiwis.
Football volleyball while we wait for the rain to pass ? ⚽️#NZvIND #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/dTU5Z2NbqH
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 18, 2022
The players were seen enjoying a new sport while they waited for the rain to stop.
#TeamIndia and New Zealand team enjoy a game of footvolley as we wait for the rain to let up.#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/8yjyJ3fTGJ
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 18, 2022
Live Updates:
# It is sad news for fans. The match has been called off as the rain persists in Wellington.
# Toss has been officially delayed due to rain.
# It is currently raining in Wellington.