4pm Allen will open the batting for NZ with Seifert Young. The target for them is 126 in ten overs. The powerplay will consist of three overs. The umpires are having a chat right at the edge of the boundary. NZ's openers now make their way out to the middle.
3.57pm We will have a restart at 4pm. This will be a 10-over chase. Spencer Johnson is warming up. He recently won the Big Bash with Brisbane Heat and will be in action for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024. This is another chance for him to impress.
3.47pm "The stumps are going back in," updates Gnasher. "Aussies preparing to warm-up to bowl...so their innings is done."
3.26pm The covers are already being rolled off. There doesn't seem to be any rain about now. The umpires have come out to have a little check, brushing the backs of their fingers over the outfield to see it if its wet. The head groundsman is also with them. It does appear as though a restart is imminent. The two captains have joined the ruckus in the middle, Matty Wade, tapping at an imaginary watch on his left hand.OOPS, ITS RAINING AGAIN
3.18pm It is heavy enough now to take the players and officials off the field. The covers are back on. Another frustrating rain delay at Eden Park. The umbrellas are up in the stands.
Hayes: "Can we just go home? This is ridiculous."
3.17pm The rain is back, but it's not heavy enough to stop play
END OF OVER:10 | 9 Runs 1 Wkt | AUS: 108/4 | RR: 10.80
- Josh Inglis11 (6b)
- Tim David1 (1b)
- Mitchell Santner2-0-16-1
- Josh Clarkson1-0-8-1
David joins Inglis in the middle
TM Head c Sodhi b Santner 33 (43m 30b 5x4 1x6) SR: 110.00
END OF OVER:9 | 9 Runs 1 Wkt | AUS: 99/3 | RR: 11.00
- Travis Head33 (29b)
- Josh Inglis3 (2b)
- Josh Clarkson1-0-8-1
- Mitchell Santner1-0-7-0
3.09pm Inglis is the new batter for Australia. Clarkson to complete his first over in T20I cricket. Head is 18 away from a half-century.
3.05pm Mitch Santner has a chat with the umpires. We will have a restart in five minutes. This will now be a 15-over shootout at Eden Park.
3pm "It's one of that situations where it's about the outfield," Seifert says. "The sun is not out yet. We're just waiting to hear from the umpires and we're not sure about how many overs to go. Gutted to not played the first two T20Is but still a bit stiff."
2.55pm Gnasher reports that the covers have been peeled off and that outfield is being roped once again.
2.48pm Gnasher brings you better news from Eden Park: "Groundstaff out there. Covers coming off."
2.35pm "The umpires are back out to have a look (without umbrellas) although it's still drizzling," says Gnasher.
2.20pm The drizzle returns and the wait for a resumption continues. The covers are back on at Eden Park.
Renjith : "Why New Zealand dropped Ravindra after the fine knock in the first T20? Injured? He can chase any score in his current batting form." --- Ravindra is resting after experiencing some knee soreness
ICYMI: Sophie Devine and RCB started their WPL season with a tight win in Bengaluru
2.09pm Gnasher reports that the rain has stopped in Auckland. The outfield is being roped once again.
2.04pm Okay, the rain has gotten heavier, forcing another stoppage in play. The covers are back on at Eden Park. It has been that kind of a day in Auckland.
GJ Maxwell c Young b Clarkson 20 (11m 9b 3x4 1x6) SR: 222.22
Here's Clarkson. He will bowl his first over in T20I cricket. Round the stumps to Head
