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The much-anticipated first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru encountered a major setback on Wednesday due to persistent rain. Heavy rainfall over 48 hours left the match officials with no choice but to postpone the toss and ultimately call off the entire first day's play. This disappointing turn of events has raised concerns about the weather's continued influence on the match, especially with more rain predicted in the coming days.
The outlook for Day 2 remains less than optimistic. AccuWeather reports a temperature of around 27°C with a 'real feel' of 31°C. However, there is a significant 40 percent chance of rain, coupled with a 24 percent probability of thunderstorms later in the day, which could further complicate the match. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) previously issued an 'orange' alert for the city, warning of heavy rainfall and advising caution for all outdoor activities.
Despite the gloomy forecast, there is a glimmer of hope for cricket fans. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium boasts world-class drainage facilities, enabling officials to resume play within approximately 45 minutes if the rain subsides. India, currently at the top of the World Test Championship standings, is aiming for a series win of 3-0 against New Zealand, solidifying their place in the final at Lord's next June. Following their successful 2-0 victory against Bangladesh in their last series, India is eager to continue their winning streak with a full-strength squad.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, on their sub-continental tour, faced a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka after a washed-out Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida. The outcome of this series against India will be crucial for their performance in the World Test Championship, and the weather conditions are likely to play a significant role in the fate of this match. With the unpredictable weather pattern, the next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of the first Test, leaving both players and fans alike in a state of uncertainty.
Source: Bengaluru Weather Update: Will rain play a spoilsport on Day 2 of India vs New Zealand first Test?