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India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI: India has made a flying start to the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Contrary to a series whitewash in the ODI,
the Kiwis have been outfoxed in their own backyard by India.
After winning the first match by 5 wickets, India managed to win the second ODI as well by 4 runs due to the DLS method. Now, with the third ODI coming up in Seddon Park, Hamilton, Indian skipper Shubman Gill will look to complete the three-peat and win three games on a trot in the series.
However, standing in between India and the win is a tough statistic that the men in blue will have to overcome. India has not won an ODI match at Hamilton for the last 17 years. But as they say, records are meant to be broken, and Gill has a golden opportunity to upturn that record, which has not even been reached during the time of Rohit and Virat.
The 'Hamilton Jinx'
India will head into the third ODI brimming with confidence after winning the opening two matches, but their dismal record at Hamilton's Seddon Park could pose a concern. The Men in Blue have struggled at this venue over the years, winning just one of their eight ODIs against New Zealand.
They have suffered six defeats, while the other fixture was washed out due to rain. With history firmly against them, India will be eager to overcome their poor record at Seddon Park and complete a series-winning hat-trick.
When Did India Last Win An ODI Match at Hamilton?
India's last ODI victory at Hamilton dates back to March 11, 2009, when Mahendra Singh Dhoni led the side to an 84-run win over New Zealand under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Interestingly, Gautam Gambhir, who is now India's head coach, was part of that victorious squad. Seventeen years on, India have another opportunity to end their prolonged wait for a win at Seddon Park.
Several Indian captains have attempted to turn things around at the venue since that memorable victory, but without success. Rohit Sharma's side featured there in 2019, while Virat Kohli's India suffered a four-wicket defeat in 2020. The team's most recent appearance came in 2022, when Shikhar Dhawan was at the helm, but rain forced the match to be abandoned. This time, Shubman Gill will lead the challenge as India look to rewrite their history at Hamilton.
Can Gill End 17-Year-Old Itch?
India has been brilliant in both the batting and the bowling departments so far. While the pace battery led by Arshdeep Singh has exceeded the expectations of people in the first 2 ODIs, the batting department has so far not been on top notch and has just barely managed to hold the boat together in the middle of turbulence.
But one thing has definitely gone in India's favour: the toss. India has won the toss in the first and second ODIs, and one thing has been very clear: the person who wins the toss wins the game. Can Team India win the toss for the third time in a row and win the series?
