India-New Zealand first T20match abandoned due to rain

WELLINGTON: The first Twenty20 match between India and New Zealand, which was scheduled to be played today, was abandoned due to rain. The possibilities of reducing the overs and playing the match were sought till the last minute, but due to heavy rain, the umpires decided to abandon the match. The second match of the three-match series will be played on November 20 at 12 pm.

This news came as a heavy blow to the fans who were waiting for Malayali cricketer Sanju Samson to play. There are significant changes in the Indian team that went to New Zealand after the Twenty20 World Cup held in Australia. Senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami have not been included in the team. Hardik Pandya is the captain. Rishabh Pant is the vice-captain. Other players included in the team are Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Mohammad Siraj.

New Zealand is participating in the three-match series without making any major changes in the World Cup squad. Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson, who performed well in the World Cup, are included in the Kiwis line-up.