Rain disrupted the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI in Wellington on 7 November 2026, delaying the toss at Hnry Stadium for the second consecutive match in the five-game series. India head into the fixture leading the series 1-0 after a rain-curtailed opening ODI victory in Auckland.

Rain Clouds Gather Again Over Wellington

Persistent rainfall hit Wellington through the first half of Friday, forcing both sides to alter their pre-match preparations. The training sessions, originally scheduled at Basin Reserve, had to be rearranged — New Zealand shifted their practice to an indoor facility, while India cancelled their session altogether.

According to AccuWeather, there is a 60 per cent chance of precipitation in Wellington on Saturday, with a 60 per cent probability of showers in the morning reducing only marginally to 55 per cent in the second half of the day. The match is scheduled to begin at 3 PM local time (7:30 AM IST), though with the toss delayed, match officials were yet to confirm the start.

How the 1st ODI Unfolded Under Similar Conditions

The series opener in Auckland on Wednesday was similarly plagued by weather interruptions. After New Zealand were bowled out for 185, India's chase of 186 in 50 overs was repeatedly revised downward by the DLS method, ultimately settling at 143 runs in 32 overs. India overhauled the target with five wickets in hand in just 22.4 overs.

It was a collective team effort, anchored by standout individual performances. Arshdeep Singh claimed a four-wicket haul in the first innings to rattle the New Zealand batting lineup, while veteran batter Virat Kohli then produced a commanding 74 off 51 balls in the chase, keeping India comfortably ahead of the DLS par score throughout to seal the win.

Series Context and What Is at Stake

India's 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series gives them a cushion as the action moves to Wellington. A second successive victory would put India in a commanding position with three matches still to play. This is the second time in as many games that rain has threatened to influence the outcome, raising questions about scheduling and contingency planning at venues susceptible to Wellington's notoriously unpredictable weather.

Notably, the Basin Reserve — Wellington's other major cricket venue — was originally chosen for practice but could not accommodate outdoor sessions either, underscoring how widespread the weather impact has been across the city. Match officials are closely monitoring conditions ahead of a final call on play.