Just like it was in the 3rd T20I, rain saved India from another loss against New Zealand on this tour as the hosts were left frustrated when they were denied an all but certain victory in the 3rd ODI by rain gods on Wednesday in Christchurch.
Chasing a below-par target of 220 runs at the Hagley Oval, New Zealand were cruising at 104/1 in 18 overs. Finn Allen, who was involved in a partnership of 97 runs with Devon Conway, had just been dismissed for 57 by Umran Malik, bringing captain Kane Williamson to the crease, and only 116 runs were needed in 32 overs.
However, rain arrived. Play halted. Rain didn’t relent. No more play was possible. New Zealand were even ahead by 50 runs on the DLS score for 20 overs for the fall of 1 wicket. The match was announced as No Result or abandoned!
Why did the India-New Zealand 3rd ODI end in no result?
The reason New Zealand didn’t win this game, despite being way ahead on the DLS score, and the reason India avoided defeat is because for an ODI match to complete – that is to have a result – a minimum of 20 overs should be batted by both the teams (or if they are being bowled out in less than 20 overs).
Since 20 overs weren’t completed in New Zealand’s innings, the DLS couldn’t come into play yet and the match was abandoned.
New Zealand would have won the match had the game resumed for at least 2 overs. In that case, all New Zealand would have needed to do was just play out at least 2 more overs and not lose a bunch of wickets so that the DLS score tilts in India’s favor.
The hosts, though, did take the ODI series 1-0 as they had won the 1st ODI by 7 wickets before the 2nd ODI too was washed out.
India had won the T20I series by 1-0; one T20I was washed out while the third T20I ended in a tie, and it could have been New Zealand’s way if not for a misfield by Santner on the last ball before rain arrived and play was not possible.
