Summarizing the little action we had - Keeping in mind the overcast conditions, Kane Williamson called it right and sent India into bat. Tim Southee and Matt Henry opened the attack for them with the new balls. Shubman Gill looked in fine nick stroking two delightful boundaries before the rain arrived. Post the resumption, the game was reduced to 29-overs-per-side. Shikhar Dhawan tried to up the ante straightaway but was dismissed early. Suryakumar Yadav came out with an attacking intent and too

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, says that it is disappointing to not get a game today. Adds that he feels like the weather is following them. Says that it was good that they were able to get some game today. Reckons that it was a good team performance in the first ODI with Tom Latham playing a blinder. Adds that he is now looking forward to the third ODI in Christchurch. Feels that being the No.1 ranked side in ODI cricket recognizes the hard work they have put in.

That's that then! Both teams will now shift their focus to the third ODI on Wednesday in Christchurch at 7 am IST (1.30 am GMT). But, we have some more Sunday cricket action coming as Afghanistan will take on Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI and that will begin at 2.30 pm IST (9 am GMT). As always, you can join us in advance for the build-up. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of India, says that weather is not in their control. He hopes to have a good third game. Shares that it was a good pitch to bat on and surprisingly there wasn't much movement for the pacers. He talks about the team combination he picked for this match and tells that Deepak Hooda came in for Sanju Samson as they wanted the sixth bowling option. Feels that Deepak Chahar gets more swing than Shardul Thakur and hence he was preferred for this match.

Let's see what the captains have to say...

 The inevitable has happened! MATCH HAS BEEN CALLED OFF! The rain gods have spoiled our Sunday. The forecast was always for rain but we hoped to get at least a short window of play to constitute an ODI match. That was not to be and this game is forced to abandon after only 12.5 overs.

Update 12.19 pm IST (6.49 am GMT) - The rain has gotten heavier and the ground staff have now brought on more covers. The chances of a resumption look bleak at the moment. Stay tuned for more updates.

Update 11.51 am IST (6.21 am GMT) - The drizzle has picked up and the umpires are taking the players off. The groundsmen are on the field and they are covering the pitch. Just when Suryakumar Yadav was starting to get a move on for India, the rain made an appearance once again. Let's hope that this is just a passing shower. Remember, we still have some time as the play can resume as late as 1.05 pm IST. 

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Lockie Ferguson pitches it up and around off, Suryakumar Yadav walks across the stumps and flicks it from the inner half to the fine leg fence. He is such a cheeky batter, knows his angles.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Full again, outside off, driven to covers.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Fullish and outside off, Yadav drags his attempted slog to mid-wicket.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Another one flies from the bat of Suryakumar. Short in length around off, SKY stands tall and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Lockie Ferguson to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, around off, it's forced down to mid on for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Shubman Gill, Fuller and on off, Gill hits across the line and sends it to deep mid-wicket from inner half for one.18 from Bracewell's two overs so far.

Michael Bracewell to Suryakumar Yadav, A conventional sweep on this occasion, and it speeds down to deep square leg for a run.

Michael Bracewell to Suryakumar Yadav, ! This one is launched. Flighted delivery, full around off, Suryakumar Yadav decides to use reverse sweep as an option and nails it over backward point for a maximum.

Michael Bracewell to Suryakumar Yadav, Turning in a bit from middle, Yadav tries to flick but misses.

Michael Bracewell to Shubman Gill, Fires it flat and short on middle, at 98 kph, Gill turns it through square leg for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Shubman Gill, Walks forward and pushes it towards mid on.

Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, Quicker one, full and around off, Yadav sweeps firmly but finds short fine leg. A dot ball to end the over.

Mitchell Santner to Shubman Gill, Bowls it short and outside off, it's forced off the back foot to sweeper cover for one.

Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, Connects well this time. Sweeps a full ball to deep square leg for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, Full and wide outside off, SKY fetches it from there as he attempts to sweep. Ends up dragging it off the inner edge to short fine leg.

Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, ! High and handsome! A touch flatter and fuller around off, skidding into the batter, Suryakumar Yadav goes down on one knee and smokes it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Mitchell Santner to Shubman Gill, A shade short and outside off, Gill goes on the back foot and cuts it through point for a single.

Bowling change. Spin from both ends as Mitchell Santner comes into the attack as well.

Michael Bracewell to Shubman Gill, Fuller on off, Shubman Gill pushes it to long on for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Shubman Gill, Short and on middle, Shubman Gill rocks back and pulls it wide of deep square leg. Comes back for the second run.

Michael Bracewell to Shubman Gill, ! Full and outside off, Shubman Gill gets forward and plays it inside out. Picks the gap on the off side to collect a boundary at deep cover.

Michael Bracewell to Suryakumar Yadav, Tossed up on middle, Suryakumar Yadav gets down on one knee to sweep but gets it on his gloves. The ball lobs behind the keeper for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Suryakumar Yadav, Flighted on middle, Suryakumar Yadav gets forward to push it down the ground. Ends up hitting it in the air but wide of mid-wicket.

Michael Bracewell to Shubman Gill, Starts with a loosener, short and at the pads, Shubman Gill pulls it to deep square leg and collects a run.

Michael Bracewell is introduced into the attack.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Smart batting by Suryakumar Yadav! Slower and into the wicket by Lockie Ferguson, Suryakumar Yadav makes room and lets the ball come to him. Guides it past the keeper for a boundary. The third-man fielder had no chance to stop that.

Lockie Ferguson to Shubman Gill, Short and outside off, Shubman Gill pulls it uppishly but wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Good length outside off, Suryakumar Yadav shuffles across to help it across the line. Gets an inside edge that rolls behind square leg for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Shubman Gill, Good-length delivery outside off, Shubman Gill works it fine to third man for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Cutter on off, Suryakumar Yadav opens the face of his bat and guides it to third man for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Shubman Gill, Bumper on middle by Lockie Ferguson, Shubman Gill gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Short and outside off, Shubman Gill cuts it fiercely towards deep cover for a single.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Good-length delivery on middle, Shubman Gill defends it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Short on middle, Shubman Gill advances to cut this through the covers and misses.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, ! DISPATCHED! Banged into the wicket by Matt Henry, Shubman Gill gets in the line of the ball and pulls this one towards fine leg. Clears the fence with ease and collects a maximum.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Good-length delivery outside off, Shubman Gill gets forward and drives it to extra cover for a dot.

Matt Henry to continue with a slip in place.

Matt Henry to Suryakumar Yadav, Fullish delivery on off, Suryakumar Yadav drives it wide of mid off and takes a quick single.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, NOT ! Ferguson delivers a pacy length ball, around middle and leg, it's drifting down as Yadav tries to flick by shuffling across. He misses and is hit on the pads. They appeal but the finger stays down. Kane Williamson takes the opinion of his bowler and keeper before taking the DRS. Nothing on the UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking shows that it's the umpire's call. Clipping the leg stump.

Shout for an lbw, not given. Kane Williamson has a word with his bowler and keeper before taking the referral. Nothing on the UltraEdge. The Ball Tracking shows that it's clipping the leg pole. Umpire's call.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Good-length delivery on middle, Suryakumar Yadav punches this one to mid off for a dot.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Four Byes!  Banged in short by Lockie Ferguson, Suryakumar Yadav tries to pull this one but misses. The ball travels quickly to Tom Latham behind the wicket and he fails to collect it cleanly. Concedes a boundary.

Lockie Ferguson to Shubman Gill, Good-length delivery on off, Shubman Gill taps it gently on the off side and rushes for a quick single.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Back-of-a-length delivery on off, Suryakumar Yadav makes room and punches it to deep cover for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Wide! Lockie Ferguson loses his radar and sprays it down the leg side as he tried to bang it in. Suryakumar Yadav looks to help it along on the leg side but misses.

Lockie Ferguson to Shubman Gill, Starts with a shortish delivery aimed at the waist of the batter, Shubman Gill clips it to fine leg for a single.

Matt Henry to Suryakumar Yadav, Beaten! A much slower delivery outside off, Suryakumar Yadav looks to pull this one on the leg side but connects with thin air. A tidy over by Matt Henry.

Matt Henry to Suryakumar Yadav, Fuller delivery on off, Suryakumar Yadav punches it to Finn Allen at backward point for a dot.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Short-of-a-length delivery on middle, Shubman Gill pushes it off the backfoot to mid on and takes a quick single.

Matt Henry to Suryakumar Yadav, Short and angling into the batter, Suryakumar Yadav backs away and guides it awkwardly towards third man. Gets off the mark with a single.

Who will bat at number 3? It's Suryakumar Yadav who has got the promotion.

Matt Henry to Suryakumar Yadav, Tad short and angling away from the batter, Suryakumar Yadav does not poke his bat at it and lets it go through to the keeper.

Matt Henry to Shikhar Dhawan, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Good-length delivery on off, Shikhar Dhawan looks to go down the ground with a lofted shot. He does not get enough connection on the bat and presents an easy catch to Lockie Ferguson at mid on. First wicket goes down for India. Dhawan was looking to attack after the break but that brought his downfall.

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, Intent straightaway by Shikhar Dhawan! Good-length delivery outside off, Shikhar Dhawan advances down the track looking to go down the ground. Gets a thick outside edge that flies towards third man for a single.

Right then, the umpires are coming out and the New Zealand players are also ready. A quick huddle and they spread on the field much to the delight of the crowd. Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill walk in now. Tim Southee to complete his pending over.

Update 11.05 am IST ( 5.35 am GMT) - The rain has returned! Both sets of players were out, going through their warm-up drills and the naughty rain returned which forced the ground staff to put the covers back on. Hang on, the rain continues to play hide and seek. It has stopped and the play will indeed start at the predecided time of 11.10 am IST.

Update 11.00 am IST (5:30 am GMT) - Good news! We have a 29-overs-per-side game and play will start at 11:10 am IST. 

Update 10.49 am IST ( 5.19 am GMT) - The rain has receded and the covers are coming off. The match officials are out on the field having a look at the conditions as the ground staff continue to do their work with the Super Soppers. There will be an inspection at 11 am IST. Stay tuned...

In other news from the world of cricket, England have arrived in Pakistan ahead of a historic Test series - their first in Pakistan in 17 years. The first Test of the three-match Test series begins on December 1 in Rawalpindi. Pakistan are in with a shout of qualifying for next year's World Test Championship final with home series against England and New Zealand still to come, whereas England are almost out of contention for a spot in the final.

Update 10.13 am IST (4.43 am GMT) - Sigh! There was an inspection supposed to take place but before that, it has started to spit again and the covers are back on. As we are typing, it has started to drizzle properly and more covers are coming on. This is frustrating for the ground staff, players and fans. The wait continues...

Update 9.57 am IST (4.27 am GMT) - The match officials are in conversation with the groundsmen. It seems that they are concerned about the soggy outfield. That said, the drainage at this ground is excellent and it should not take long to make the outfield playable. The covers are off which is good news. We are waiting for official words. Stay tuned...

Update 9.31 am IST (4.01 am GMT) - The cut-off time for a 20-over game is 12.34 pm IST (7.04 am GMT). We still have time on our hands but the rain needs to stop so that the groundsmen get the field ready for play. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Update 9.46 am IST (4.16 am GMT) - Good news! The rain has stopped and the Super Soppers are at work. The covers are still on and it will take around 35-40 minutes for the groundsmen to get the field ready for play. Stay tuned for more updates.

Update 9.08 am IST (3.38 am GMT) - The wait continues! The rain refuses to relent and adding to the misery, the radar isn't looking promising. In the meantime, the ground staff are working to ensure that we can start as soon as the rain stops. We will keep you posted.

Update 8.35 am IST (3.05 am GMT) - The rain continues to fall and it has gotten heavier in the last few minutes. The groundsmen were expecting this and that's the reason the covers were on even though there was barely any drop. We've started to lose overs now. Let's hope for the best. Stay tuned...

We have more cricketing action later in the day with Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI of the 3-match ODI series. Sri Lanka need to win to stay alive in the series but even more importantly, their direct entry to the upcoming 50-over World Cup is at stake. They have to win all their remaining few games to stay in the hunt. As far as Afghanistan are concerned, they have kept themselves away from the chasing pack and by winning the first ODI, they have given themselves some breathing

Update 7.32 am IST (2.02 am GMT) - The groundsmen waited for some time and now they have put on the big covers as well. Not looking good at the moment. Point to be noted - It's still drizzling very lightly.

Update 8.06 am IST (2.36 am GMT) - No fresh update from the ground. The last we heard was the rain eased a bit but the covers were firmly in place. The groundsmen certainly have seen something on the radar that we are not aware of! Stay tuned for more updates...

Update 8.03 am IST (2.33 am GMT) - No fresh update from the ground. The last we heard was the rain eased a bit but the covers were firmly in place.

Update 7.24 am IST (1.54 am GMT) - The umpires waited for a while but it's a persistent drizzle and they have decided to call for covers. The players head off. It is raining very gently at the moment and let's hope we get going with the game soon. Stay tuned.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Leg bye! Fullish delivery drifting onto the pads, Shubman Gill looks to work this one behind square but fails to get any bat on it. The ball deflects off his pads towards fine leg for a single. Tim Southee looked interested but it was sliding down the leg side.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Fullish delivery outside off, Shubman Gill gets to the pitch of the ball and defends with a straight bat.

There is a slight drizzle in the air.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Short-of-a-length delivery on middle, Shubman Gill defends it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, ! Southee delivers it on a fuller length around off and Gill just pushes it from the middle of the bat. The ball races past mid on and Daryl Mitchell chases it. He puts in a dive near the fence but the replays find that it's not a clean stop. The third umpire conveys the same and a boundary is signalled. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Well stopped! Short in length and wide outside off, Gill slaps it through the line but finds the fielder at point who makes a sharp stop.

Matt Henry to Shikhar Dhawan, Excellent leave. Henry delivers it just outside off and gets it to shape in a bit off a good length, Dhawan covers his stumps and allows it through.

Matt Henry to Shikhar Dhawan, Around off, on a good length, Dhawan stays on the back foot and defends it down on the surface.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Appeal for a run out! Fullish delivery on leg, Shubman Gill clips it nicely past mid-wicket. Runs two easily and decides to come back for the third on the throw. The fielder fires in a good throw to the keeper who breaks the stumps in a flash. They appeal and it has been referred. The replays find Shikhar Dhawan safely in.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Loud shout for LBW! Good-length delivery at the pads, Shubman Gill looks to clip this one but misses. Gets rapped on the pads but it was going down the leg side.

Matt Henry to Shikhar Dhawan, Good-length delivery on the pads, Shikhar Dhawan clips it towards fine leg for a single.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Touch short and angling into the batter, Shubman Gill works it behind square on the leg side towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good running! Short-of-a-length delivery on middle, Shubman Gill pushes it off the back foot wide of mid-wicket and rushes for a quick single. Mitchell Santner has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Fullish delivery just outside off, Shubman Gill gets on the front foot and drives it towards mid off for a dot.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, ! Cracking shot! Short and wide outside off, Shubman Gill gets into the position early and thumps it through the covers. Second boundary for Shubman Gill.

Shubman Gill pulls out. That's a late call from the batter as Tim Southee was almost through his bowling stride.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good-length delivery going away, Shubman Gill advances and shoulders arms to the delivery.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Pitched up and swinging away, Shubman Gill defends with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Shortish delivery angling away, Shubman Gill taps it on the off side and looks for a single but Shikhar Dhawan sends him back.

Matt Henry to Shikhar Dhawan, Short-of-a-length delivery on middle, Shikhar Dhawan defends it off the back foot on the off side.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Fullish delivery on off, Shubman Gill gets on the front foot and pushes it wide of mid on for a single.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Tad short and outside off, Shubman Gill shoulders arms and leaves it alone.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Good-length delivery swinging away, Shubman Gill gets forward and lets it go through to the keeper.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, ! SHOT! Fuller delivery on off, Shubman Gill presents the full face of the bat and drives it past mid on for his first boundary. Despite all the rain, this outfield is lightning-quick.

Matt Henry to Shubman Gill, Starts with a gentle loosener, short and outside off, Shubman Gill leaves it alone.

Matt Henry to speed in from the other end...

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, Back-of-a-length delivery angling into the batter, Shikhar Dhawan defends it back to the bowler. A good start from Tim.

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, Scrambled seam delivery just outside off, Shikhar Dhawan looks to defend this but lets it go.

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, Good-length delivery on off, Shikhar Dhawan defends it off the back foot on the off side.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good stop! Fullish delivery outside off, Shubman Gill drives it with a straight bat towards mid off. Kane Williamson dives to his right and keeps it to one.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Some movement on this occasion. It's in the corridor outside off, Gill offers no shot.

Tim Southee to Shikhar Dhawan, India are away! A delivery around leg and Dhawan tucks it down to fine leg for a single.

Time to get underway! The New Zealand players get into a quick huddle before heading to the ground. The conditions remain murky and there will certainly be some assistance for the pace bowlers. Out walk the Indian openers - Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill.​ Tim Southee, playing his 150th ODI, is all set to kick off proceedings...  

Shikhar Dhawan, the skipper of India, says that they would have bowled first as well. Reckons that there would be some moisture due to the covers. Feels that they have to go with the pace of the game with the bat. Adds that they started slow early on but accelerated towards the back end of the innings in the first game. Says that they will look to bat with positive intent in this game. Informs that there are two changes in the playing XI - Deepak Hooda comes in for Sanju Samson and Shardul Th

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, says he is bowling first due to the weather as the pitch has been under cover. Wants his bowlers to make use of the conditions. Informs that they have brought in Michael Bracewell in place of Adam Milne. On Tim Southee playing his 150th ODI, Williamson calls it an incredible achievement and that tells you about his great longevity in the game. Feels that India played well with the bat in the first game but he liked the intensity shown by his bowler

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (In for Adam Milne), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson. 

India (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda (In for Sanju Samson), Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar (In for Shardul Thakur), Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal. 

TOSS - The coin toss lands in the favour of New Zealand and they have opted to bowl first.