NZ vs ENG T20Is: England triumph three-match series 1-0 as rain plays spoilsport again | Cricket News

England won the T20I series 1-0 after the 3rd match was abandoned due to rain (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

The third T20 between New Zealand and England at Eden Park was abandoned on Thursday after persistent rain, with only 22 balls bowled. The result confirmed England’s 1-0 win in the three-match series, as the first T20 in Christchurch had also been called off due to weather. England won the toss and opted to field, but rain interrupted play immediately. New Zealand were 8-0 after just three balls when the umpires brought covers onto the field.

The teams returned around 90 minutes later, but only 19 more deliveries were possible before rain forced play to stop again. Attempts to resume were thwarted as covers were removed twice, only for the downpour to return each time. This series marked an unusually early start to New Zealand’s home season, which typically begins closer to December. The country is also facing extreme weather, with winds reaching up to 230kph in parts of Wellington and the South Island, causing property damage. New Zealand Cricket had scheduled the series despite the conditions, having previously hosted T20 matches against Australia in October. The teams will now turn their attention to the upcoming one-day series, with the first match set to take place on Sunday in Mount Maunganui.

The washed-out series leaves England unbeaten, winning the only match that saw play, while New Zealand struggled to get a chance to compete amid challenging weather conditions.The rain-hit series has caused much frustration to fans and players alike, with just one game being played in the three-match series.All hopes will now turn to the weather conditions for the ODI clash on Sunday, followed by matches on October 29 and November 1.