Rain threatens second ODI at Wellington, 60% chance in first session on Saturday

The second match of the ODI series between India and New Zealand is to be played in Wellington on Saturday, but rain threatens this game too. Rain had also disrupted the first ODI, played in Auckland on Wednesday.

It rained in Wellington on Friday, forcing both teams to change their practice schedules. The two sides were to practise at Basin Reserve instead of Henry Stadium, where the match is to be played. New Zealand moved their practice session to an indoor facility at Wellington College, while India cancelled theirs.

According to the weather department's forecast, there is a 60 per cent chance of rain in the first session of Saturday's match and 55 per cent in the second. Any rain would seriously affect the match.

The result of the first ODI was also decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method because of rain. Batting first, New Zealand were all out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Play was stopped twice by rain during India's innings. After the second stoppage, India were given a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs.

Virat Kohli played an innings of 74 off 51 balls. On the back of it, India made 143 for 5 in 22.4 overs and won the match by 5 wickets. Indian fast bowler Anshul Kamboj took 2 wickets for 22 runs in 10 overs, including 2 maidens, and was named Player of the Match for his bowling. Kohli recently celebrated his birthday, and this series shows he remains remarkably fit at the age of 38.

The rest of the series schedule is also set. After the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday, the third match will be played in Hamilton on November 10. The fourth and fifth ODIs will be held at Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.

Meanwhile, fans are praying that the rain stays away. Many feel they should not miss the chance to watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play.