Xtra Time Web Desk: The first T20I between India and New Zealand was called off due to heavy rains in Wellington on Friday. Both teams will now travel to Mount Maunganui for the second T20 match of the series to be played at the Bay Oval on Sunday.
The first game of the three-match T20I series between India and BlackCaps was abandoned due to heavy rain at Sky Stadium without a single ball being bowled on Friday. The play was eventually called off just after 20:51 pm local time.
India’s stand-in captain Hardik Pandya on Friday said the ongoing limited-overs tour of New Zealand is all about role clarity and opportunities for new players in the set-up. Hardik, who is leading the side in place of regular skipper Rohit Sharma in the three-match T20 series, said the Indian team doesn’t believe in dwelling on the past.
“These guys are young by age, but not by experience. They have played plenty of IPL and got good number of Internationals as well. I think the youngsters of today don’t get intimidated by not having played too much cricket,” Hardik said after the first T20I was washed away in Wellington.
He further added, “If the situation demands, me and the more experienced players will play different roles, but this tour is for the new guys to get more clarity, opportunities and a chance to express themselves.”