6 Mar 2009

Black Caps' one-dayer against India rained off

9:16 pm on 6 March 2009

Rain has forced the abandonment of the second one-day cricket match between New Zealand and India.

Players were forced from the field three times on Friday before the match was eventually called off at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

India again dominated the New Zealand bowlers, reaching 188 for four in the 29th over.

Sachin Tendulkar scored 61, while Virender Sehwag made 54.

India lead the five-match series 1-0 with the third match in Christchurch on Sunday.

A minute's silence was observed ahead of the start of the match for those killed in the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket squad in Pakistan on Tuesday.

Six Pakistan police and the team's bus driver was killed in Lahore. Several of the Sri Lankan squad were wounded when gunmen opened fire on their bus.

Meanwhile, Wellington spin bowler Jetan Patel has been called into the New Zealand squad as as possible cover for skipper Daniel Vettori.

Vettori's wife, Mary, anticipates minor complications associated with the birth of their first baby, who is due soon.

Patel is on stand-by in case Vettori is called away at short notice. He will stay with the squad throughout the rest of the one-day international series, or until required.