India - New Zealand Series

India v New Zealand, 2nd ODI: Match abandoned

The second ODI between India and New Zealand at Wellington was abandoned due to heavy rains after 28.4 overs. India lead the series 1-0 with four matches remaining.

Intermittent rain during the second one-dayer interrupted the play thrice to reduce the game to a 34-over a side. But the fourth break came as the final blow, compelling the umpires to abandon the game. At that time, India were 188 at the loss of 4 wickets in 28.4 overs.

Electing to bat first, Indian openers Tendulkar and Sehwag started off the proceedings on a solid note with the latter taking the charge. Sehwag raised his 35th ODI fifty which was his third against the hosts in 32 balls with the help of nine 4s and a six. After firing all cylinders with the bat, Sehwag lost his wicket to Ian Butler for 54 runs.

Soon after his opening partner walked back, a quiet Sachin changed the gear to keep the scoring rate consistent. India’s master batsman slammed 91st half-century that was also his 8th against the Black Caps.

It started pouring in the 20th over and interrupted the blazing shots from Tendulkar’s blade. Soon after the play resumed, India lost Sachin as their second wicket. He was caught plumb by Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori for 61 runs.

Sachin’s dismissal saw Yuvraj Singh in the middle. But the left-hander failed to open his account and perished to Kyle Mills. In the rain-curtailed match, India lost their fourth wicket after Neil O’Brien dismissed Gautam Gambhir for 30 runs. Skipper MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina remained unbeaten on 23 and 13 respectively.

The third ODI is at Christchurch on 8th March.

Tags: India, new zealand