Rain threat over Wellington for NZ vs India 2nd ODI on Saturday
Synopsis
Wellington could wash out India's momentum in the 2nd ODI — Accuweather puts a 60% rain probability at the 3 PM start, teams were already forced off the training ground on Friday, and the DLS method looms large again after reshaping the first match in Auckland. India lead 1-0 and New Zealand desperately need a result.
Key Takeaways
Accuweather forecasts a 60 per cent precipitation probability in Wellington on Saturday , the day of the NZ vs India 2nd ODI .
The match is scheduled to start at 3 PM local time (7:30 AM IST) at Hnry Stadium .
Rain probability at the start time is 55–60 per cent , rising through the evening before easing around 5–6 PM local .
Both teams cancelled or moved their Friday training sessions at Basin Reserve due to persistent showers.
The 1st ODI in Auckland was rain-hit; India chased a DLS-revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs , winning by 5 wickets to take a 1-0 series lead .
Rain could disrupt the New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI in Wellington on Saturday, 8 November 2026, with weather forecaster Accuweather placing a 60 per cent probability of precipitation on match day — echoing the weather woes that marred the opening game of the series in Auckland.
Wellington Weather Forecast for Match Day
According to Accuweather, showers are likely throughout the day, with a 60 per cent chance in the morning and a marginally lower 55 per cent probability in the second half. The match is scheduled to begin at 3 PM local time (7:30 AM IST).
Hourly forecasts paint a mixed but concerning picture. While precipitation probability dips to as low as 5 per cent at 12 noon and 8 per cent at 1 PM local time, it climbs sharply to 49 per cent at 2 PM — just one hour before the toss. At the scheduled start time of 3 PM, rain probability stands at 55 per cent, rising to 60 per cent at 4 PM. The evening offers some relief — 20 per cent at 5 PM, 15 per cent at 6 PM — before climbing again to 51 per cent by 10 PM.
Training Disrupted on Friday
The rain threat is not theoretical. Wellington saw persistent showers through the first half of Friday, forcing both teams to abandon their planned practice sessions at Basin Reserve, the designated training venue ahead of the match at Hnry Stadium. New Zealand shifted their session to an indoor facility, while India cancelled their practice altogether, according to reports.
How Rain Affected the First ODI in Auckland
This is the second straight match in the series to be threatened by weather. In the 1st ODI in Auckland on Wednesday, rain intervened multiple times after India bowled New Zealand out for 185. The target was revised downward on two separate occasions under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, eventually settling at 143 runs in 32 overs. India overhauled the target with 5 wickets in hand in just 22.4 overs, claiming a rain-shortened but comprehensive win.
What to Expect at Hnry Stadium
Organisers and fans alike will be watching the skies closely. If precipitation arrives around the 3–4 PM window, the start could be delayed significantly, bringing the DLS method back into play. With India holding a 1-0 lead in the series, the weather stakes are high for New Zealand, who need a result to level the contest. The 5 PM drop in rainfall probability does offer a window for uninterrupted play, but match officials will likely be on standby for interruptions throughout the evening session.
Point of View
But the city's microclimate makes uninterrupted play far from guaranteed. For broadcasters and fans paying premium rates to follow the series, back-to-back DLS finishes are a poor advertisement. Cricket administrators may need to revisit reserve-day provisions or start-time flexibility for venues with demonstrably high disruption risk.
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rain forecast for the NZ vs India 2nd ODI in Wellington?
Accuweather forecasts a 60 per cent chance of precipitation in Wellington on Saturday, with rain probability at 55–60 per cent around the scheduled 3 PM local start time (7:30 AM IST). The probability dips to around 15–20 per cent in the early evening before rising again later in the night.
What time does the NZ vs India 2nd ODI start?
The 2nd ODI between New Zealand and India at Hnry Stadium, Wellington, is scheduled to begin at 3 PM local New Zealand time, which is 7:30 AM IST on Saturday.
How did rain affect the 1st ODI between New Zealand and India?
Rain interrupted play multiple times during the 1st ODI in Auckland on Wednesday. After India bowled New Zealand out for 185, the DLS method was applied twice, reducing India's target to 143 runs in 32 overs. India won the match with 5 wickets in hand in 22.4 overs.
Were training sessions affected by rain ahead of the 2nd ODI?
Yes. Both teams were forced to change their plans on Friday due to persistent rain in Wellington. New Zealand moved their practice session from Basin Reserve to an indoor facility, while India cancelled their training session entirely.
What is the current series score between New Zealand and India?
India lead the ODI series 1-0 after their rain-shortened win in Auckland. The 2nd ODI in Wellington offers New Zealand an opportunity to level the series, provided weather allows a full or sufficient match to be completed.
