The toss for the first T20I match between India and New Zealand at the Sky Stadium in Wellington has been delayed due to persistent rain. As per the weather forecast, heavy rain had been predicted in New Zealand's capital city for the evening, coinciding with the timings of the match.

"Heavy rain around Wellington means the covers are on and the toss is delayed until further notice," wrote New Zealand through their official Twitter handle. "Toss at Sky Stadium, Wellington has been delayed due to persistent rains," tweeted the BCCI.

Both India and New Zealand, the losing semi-finalists from the Men's T20 World Cup in Australia, will be facing off in a three-match T20I series, followed by as many ODIs, from November 18-30.

With stand-in head coach VVS Laxman insisting that the Hardik Pandya-led side, without many regular stars, will be looking to play fearless and flexible cricket during the series, it also kickstarts the road towards the 2024 T20 World Cup for both India and New Zealand.

Also read: Kane Williamson backs ‘superstar’ Hardik Pandya as T20 skipper