The second ODI between India and New Zealand at Hnry Stadium in Wellington was delayed on November 7, 2026, after a saturated outfield made conditions unfit for play. The toss, due at 7:10 AM IST, could not take place on schedule. India's 1-0 lead in the five-match series remains on hold.
Wellington ODI Delay: Key Timings
The match was originally set to begin at 7:30 AM IST, with the toss scheduled 20 minutes earlier. The wet outfield meant neither could go ahead as planned.
Officials carried out an initial ground assessment. Umpires were not satisfied with the state of the outfield and called for a further inspection at 7:45 AM IST. No overs had been reported as lost at the time of the first update.
Scheduled and revised timings (IST)| Event | Time | Status |
|---|
| Toss | 7:10 AM | Delayed |
| Scheduled start | 7:30 AM | Delayed |
| Next inspection | 7:45 AM | Called by umpires |
| Overs lost (first update) | 0 | None reported |
Weather Forecast and Outfield Conditions
The forecast for Wellington offered limited encouragement. Cloud cover was estimated at 99 per cent around the scheduled start, and the chance of rain stood at 60 per cent.
Conditions around the venue had eased to some degree by the time of the first assessment. However, the outfield remained too wet for a prompt start, and both teams waited while ground staff worked on the surface.
Match-day conditions at Hnry Stadium| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Cloud cover | 99% |
| Probability of rain | 60% |
| Outfield status | Saturated |
| Resumption confirmed | No |
Series Context Ahead of the Second ODI
India arrived in Wellington leading the five-match series 1-0. They won the opener in Auckland by five wickets under captain Shubman Gill.
The result gave India an early advantage. New Zealand now need a positive result at home to level the contest.
Virat Kohli's Role in the Series Opener
Virat Kohli was central to the win in Auckland, scoring 74 off 51 balls. That works out to a strike rate of roughly 145.10, a brisk pace for an ODI chase.
Series snapshot after ODI 1| Metric | Detail |
|---|
| Series format | 5 ODIs |
| Series score | India 1-0 |
| ODI 1 result | India won by 5 wickets |
| Kohli in ODI 1 | 74 (51), SR 145.10 |
| India captain | Shubman Gill |
Hnry Stadium: Venue Profile
Hnry Stadium is one of New Zealand's prominent multi-purpose grounds. It has hosted only one ODI since 2020, which gives a small sample for venue-specific trends.
Its exposed location in Wellington makes it particularly susceptible to weather disruption. Cloud cover and rain probability are therefore central to the planning of any fixture here.
What the Delay Means for the Match
India, with a 1-0 lead, have every incentive to push for a result and extend their advantage. A washed-out or curtailed game would preserve that lead without adding to it.
For New Zealand, a shortened contest reduces the time available to turn the series around. Any reduction in overs would also change par scores and tactical planning for both sides.
Factors to Watch
The result of the 7:45 AM IST inspection will determine whether a full 50-over contest remains possible. If play starts later, the number of overs lost will shape the match, as the forecast figures of 99 per cent cloud cover and 60 per cent rain probability suggest further interruptions are possible.
Both teams must manage uncertainty while ground staff and match officials work to bring play on as early as conditions allow.