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Rain stops play at Eden Park with India 54 for 1 in chase of 186
Rain drove the players off in the first ODI in Auckland with India well placed at 54 for 1 after 10.5 overs, needing 132 more from 39.1 overs, and a shortened chase now possible.
Key points
- India were 54 for 1 after 10.5 overs when rain arrived.
- They need 132 more runs from 39.1 overs if no time is lost.
- India must bat at least 20 overs for a result.
Rain has put India’s chase on hold at Eden Park. Chasing 186 in the first ODI against New Zealand, India were 54 for 1 after 10.5 overs when the covers came on in Auckland, with Virat Kohli and captain Shubman Gill together at the crease.
India had moved on briskly from 41 for 1, keeping well ahead of the asking rate. At the break they needed 132 more runs from 39.1 overs, a little over three an over, with nine wickets in hand.
What the rain could mean
The weather was a worry from the start. Light rain had already delayed the toss by about 20 minutes, and Gill chose to bowl partly so India would know their target if overs were cut. That call looks sound now.
If time is lost, the target will be revised. Projections put it at 167 in 40 overs if 10 overs go, 137 in 30 overs if 20 go, and 92 in 20 overs if 30 are lost. India must face at least 20 overs for a result to stand.
On any of those numbers India are ahead of the game. New Zealand, bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs, need wickets quickly once play restarts, and Mitchell Santner’s seamers will hope the damp conditions give them more help than they found earlier in the chase.
This is the first match of a five-game ODI series.