Hamilton [New Zealand], November 10: The third ODI between India and New Zealand, scheduled at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, has been called off due to persistent rain, leaving the visitors with a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series.

With two matches remaining, India are now assured of at least a series draw. The result also means the hosts will need to win both remaining games to level the series.

India captain Shubman Gill, along with wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, will now depart for preparations ahead of the upcoming Test series. Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to take charge of the Indian side for the final two ODIs.

Earlier, Gill had won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, persistent showers prevented the match from getting underway, resulting in its abandonment. Rain has disrupted all three matches of the series so far, although India have managed to secure victories in the first two encounters.

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In the opening ODI, New Zealand were bowled out for 185, with Arshdeep Singh leading India's bowling attack with four wickets. Gurnoor Brar claimed three wickets for 44 runs, while Anshul Kamboj picked up two scalps for 22 runs.

India comfortably chased the revised target of 143 in 32 overs, with Virat Kohli playing a decisive knock of 74 off 51 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and a six. The innings, however, witnessed multiple rain interruptions.

The second ODI also witnessed rain intervention, with India securing a narrow victory under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

After electing to bowl, India bundled out New Zealand for 134 in 41 overs, with Gurnoor Brar producing an impressive spell of 4/30.

Chasing 135, India suffered an early collapse, slipping to 47/4 after Shubman Gill (0), Rohit Sharma (23) and Virat Kohli (7) failed to make significant contributions.

Shreyas Iyer (30 off 46 balls) and KL Rahul (26 not out off 38 balls) attempted to stabilise the innings. However, New Zealand pacers Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson, who picked up three wickets each, pushed India into further trouble at 113/7.

Rain eventually halted proceedings with India four runs ahead of the DLS par score, handing the visitors a crucial win and a 2-0 lead in the series.

India will now look to maintain their unbeaten advantage when the remaining two matches are played, with Iyer set to lead the side in Gill's absence. (With ANI inputs)