NZ vs IND: Memes galore as rain plays spoilsport in third T20I; India claim series 1-0

Rain once again acted as a dampener in the series and forced the third T20I at McLean Park in Napier to end in a tie as a result of which India won the three-match series 1-0. While Chasing 161 to win, India were 75/4 at the end of the ninth over when rain came to halt play. The DLS par score at that stage was 75 and because the rain never really allowed the game to resume, the match officials were forced to end it as a tie.

Batting first, the Blackcaps posted 160 on board. Wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway (59 off 49 deliveries) and Glenn Phillips (54 off 33 deliveries) were phenomenal but post their dismissal, New Zealand's middle order fell like a house of cards.

Mohammed Siraj along with Arshdeep Singh, completely destroyed the Kiwis, with each picking four wickets. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal, who didn’t play a single game in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, proved to be costly today.

All eyes were on Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan in the second innings as both required to get some runs in order to cement their spot in the T20 squad. However, the opening pair couldn't manage to capitalise on the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar endured a rare failure and Shreyas Iyer was dismissed for a golden duck off a short delivery in the slip. Hardik Pandya (30* of 18) and Deepak Hooda (9* off 9 deliveries) were at the crease when it started to rain heavily.

Now, with India winning the T20I series against New Zealand on latter's home turf will send a strong message as Hardik Pandya once again proved himself as a dependable leader. Amidst rumours of India changing their style of play in the shortest format of the game, Hardik's form and leadership style might help him become the next captain of the T20I team.

Here are the best memes from the game: