Rain Threat Looms Over India-New Zealand 2nd ODI in Wellington

Key points

1. India and New Zealand are scheduled to play the second ODI at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
2. The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM local time, which is 7:30 AM IST.
3. AccuWeather figures cited by Zee News put the chance of precipitation at 60% in the morning and 55% in the second half of Saturday.
4. Rain in Wellington on Friday disrupted preparations: India cancelled its outdoor training session, while New Zealand moved practice indoors.
5. India lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the rain-affected first ODI in Auckland by five wickets under the DLS method.
6. New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in the first ODI before India chased a revised target of 143 in 32 overs.
7. Virat Kohli scored 74 off 51 balls in the first ODI; India completed the chase in 22.4 overs.

Rain is threatening to disrupt the India-New Zealand ODI series for a second match in succession, with showers forecast around the scheduled start of the second game in Wellington on Saturday, November 7. The match at Hnry Stadium is due to begin at 3:00 PM local time, or 7:30 AM IST, and the outlook has raised the possibility of a delayed start or interruptions during play.

The concern follows a rain-affected series opener in Auckland, where India won by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. With India leading the five-match series 1-0, both sides will be hoping to get a full contest in Wellington, although Friday’s weather has already disrupted their preparations.

Wellington forecast raises concern

Weather figures cited by Zee News from AccuWeather indicate a 60 per cent chance of precipitation in Wellington during the first half of Saturday and 55 per cent in the second half. The hourly outlook reported by the publication showed the probability increasing close to the scheduled start, with a 49 per cent chance at 2 PM local time and 55 per cent at 3 PM.

The same forecast suggested a temporary improvement later in the afternoon. The chance of rain was listed at 20 per cent at 5 PM, 15 per cent at 6 PM and 20 per cent at 7 PM, before rising again during the later evening hours. Such changes could create a stop-start match, even if conditions allow play to begin.

These percentages are forecasts rather than a certainty that the match will be washed out. The actual impact will depend on the timing and duration of showers, ground conditions and whether the ground staff have enough time to prepare the field between interruptions.

Rain has already affected team preparations

Wellington experienced persistent rain during the first half of Friday, affecting the teams’ planned practice arrangements. India’s scheduled outdoor training session was cancelled, while New Zealand shifted its practice to an indoor facility at Wellington College.

The teams had been due to train at Basin Reserve, across from the match venue. The contrasting decisions reflected the difficult conditions in the city on the eve of the ODI. The interruption also meant India had less opportunity for a final outdoor session before a match that could demand quick adjustments if the weather changes.

The second ODI will be played at Hnry Stadium, also known previously as Sky Stadium. The venue is set to host the teams after the opening match in Auckland was repeatedly interrupted by rain.

India carry a 1-0 lead after Auckland win

India began the series with a five-wicket victory in a match shortened by weather. New Zealand were dismissed for 185 in 40.2 overs. India’s initial target was 186 in 50 overs, but two spells of rain during the chase led to a revised target of 143 from 32 overs under the DLS method.

Virat Kohli was the leading batter in the chase, scoring 74 from 51 deliveries. Shubman Gill contributed 37, and India reached the revised target in 22.4 overs. The result gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series.

Another interruption in Wellington could again bring the DLS method into play and reduce the number of overs available. If rain prevents the minimum overs required for a result, the match could end without a result. However, the forecast alone does not establish that a washout is inevitable.

What the weather could mean for the series

India will look to extend their lead, while New Zealand need a win to level the series. The weather could become a significant factor in how both teams approach the toss and their innings, particularly if showers interrupt the game at different stages.

For now, the main concern is the forecast around the afternoon start. The temporary improvement suggested for early evening offers some possibility of a window for play, but the renewed chance of rain later means the teams and spectators may face an uncertain day. A clearer picture is likely to emerge closer to the start, when updated forecasts and conditions at Hnry Stadium can be assessed.

After the Wellington fixture, the series is scheduled to move to Hamilton for the third ODI on November 10, before the final two matches in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. Both teams will be keen to complete as much cricket as possible before the series moves on.