India has made a strong start to the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, claiming victories in the first two matches on the road. Rather than facing a series whitewash, the hosts have been outplayed by the visitors in their own backyard.
Following a five-wicket win in the opener, India sealed the second ODI by four runs under the DLS method. With the third match scheduled at Seddon Park in Hamilton, captain Shubman Gill will aim to secure a third consecutive victory and take an unassailable lead in the series.
However, a stubborn statistic stands between India and another win. The Men in Blue have not triumphed in an ODI at Hamilton for 17 years. As the saying goes, records are meant to be broken, and Gill now has a prime opportunity to overturn a streak that eluded even the captaincies of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The Hamilton Jinx
India arrives at the third ODI brimming with confidence after winning the opening two matches, though their poor record at Seddon Park remains a concern. Over the years, the Men in Blue have managed just one victory in eight ODIs against New Zealand at this venue.
They have lost six times, while one fixture was abandoned due to rain. With history weighing heavily against them, India will be determined to reverse their fortunes at Seddon Park and complete a series-winning hat-trick.
When Did India Last Win an ODI at Hamilton?
India’s most recent ODI victory at Hamilton dates back to March 11, 2009, when MS Dhoni led the team to an 84-run win over New Zealand via the Duckworth-Lewis method. Notably, Gautam Gambhir—now India’s head coach—was part of that winning squad. Seventeen years later, India has another chance to end its long wait for a win at Seddon Park.
Several Indian captains have tried to change that narrative since then without success. Rohit Sharma’s side played at the venue in 2019, while Virat Kohli’s team suffered a four-wicket defeat in 2020. India’s most recent visit came in 2022 under Shikhar Dhawan, but rain forced the match to be abandoned. Now, Shubman Gill leads the charge as India looks to rewrite its history in Hamilton.
Can Gill End the 17-Year Wait?
India has performed well with both bat and ball in the opening two ODIs. While the pace attack, spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh, has surpassed expectations, the batting unit has been less consistent, barely holding firm amid pressure.
One factor has clearly favored India: the toss. The team has won the toss in both matches so far, and the toss winner has gone on to win each game. Can India win the toss for a third straight time and clinch the series?
