India win toss, opt to bowl first against New Zealand in third ODI at Hamilton

The third match of the five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is being played today at Seddon Park in Hamilton. India won the toss and decided to bowl first. India have already won both earlier matches and lead the series 2-0.

Heavy rain in Hamilton meant the toss could not be held at the scheduled time. It was held later and India chose to bowl. India are expected to take the field intending to clinch the series.

The match is important for captain Shubman Gill because he will begin preparing for the Test series after it, while Shreyas Iyer will captain the side in the last two ODIs.

It is cold in Hamilton and the threat of rain remains, which makes an early finish to the match likely. Because of the rain and moisture, the pitch could prove very helpful to fast bowlers. The ball may get more swing and uneven bounce there, which would test the batters.

Barring Virat Kohli's superb innings at Eden Park, India's opening batting has struggled. Captain Shubman Gill and the experienced Rohit Sharma both looked uncomfortable against the Kiwi bowlers. Rohit Sharma scored 0 and 23 in the last two matches, so he will need to regain his old form.