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Rain may play spoilsport in the India v New Zealand decider at Trivandrum

The decider is important for India to win on its goal to become the number 1 team in the shortest format of the game

The 3rd T20I which was to be the decider between India and New Zealand could be cancelled as rain threat looms large. New Zealand seamlessly beat India at Rajkot during the 2nd T20I to square the series at 1-1 and force a decider. But the MeT reports suggest that the match could be called off if it rains during the match, however, a Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) official said if they get 30 minutes the ground will be ready for the match. So, it seems the drainage facilities are top class at a ground which would make its T20I debut.

“These are not seasonal rains but yes it has been regular for the last three days. Importantly, rain has been forecast for the next three days too which could put the match in jeopardy,” the KCA official told Hindustan Times.

“The sky on Sunday mostly remained under cloud cover with heavy showers in the afternoon. But KCA officials are prepared. On Sunday they had a very good rehearsal.  We have plans to clear rainwater,” KCA secretary Jayesh George was quoted as saying.

Another official also had the same views. “Even if it rains the entire day, the drainage here is so good that we can have the ground clear of rainwater in no time,” said the official on condition of anonymity.

Earlier this year, India’s T20I against Australia had also suffered due to rain. Like in the current series, India and Australia were tied at 1-1 and were heading into the decider. But the Hyderabad game got washed out without a ball being bowled due to the wet outfield.

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Virat Kohli celebrated his 29th birthday with colleagues and friends on November 5.

#HappybirthdayVirat pic.twitter.com/SeFCAxttIG

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 4, 2017

The Indian team is on a mission to be the number one team in all three formats and if they win the decider, they may get closer to ‘Mission 1-1-1’ as they are already number 1 in Tests and One Day Internationals.