Last Updated on 7 months ago by Charbel Coorey

The Mount Maunganui weather could play spoilsport in the second T20I between New Zealand and Australia on October 3.

The earliest ever start to an international cricket season in New Zealand saw the jackets, jumpers and coats in full force at Bay Oval on Wednesday. Like the first T20I, it will be another cold day, but there is a greater chance of showers during the match hours on Friday.

Here is a look at the weather forecast in Mount Maunganui for the second T20I, scheduled for a 6:15pm start.

Mount Maunganui weather: Will it rain during the 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I?

AccuWeather forecasts “considerable clouds with a couple of showers in the afternoon” in Mount Maunganui on Friday October 3. The app predicts 2.5mm of rain to fall during the day.

However, AccuWeather’s hourly forecast paints a more promising picture. The platform predicts the showers will fall mostly between 2-5pm. By the time 6pm arrives, the forecast is for cloudy conditions with the chances of precipitation falling to as low as 20% by 8pm.

Also, wind gusts, which were a challenge for players and spectators in the opening T20I, are expected to be lower on Friday. AccuWeather forecasts gusts of around 15-20km/h in the evening, down from 35-40km/h in the first match.

Australia will be looking to seal the series after thumping the hosts in the first match. Mitchell Marsh’s 86 led the way as the visitors chased the 182-run target in just 16.3 overs, sending another reminder of their batting power.

Earlier, New Zealand had collapsed to 6/3 in the first 10 balls. Tim Robinson led a stirring fightback, with his brilliant 66-ball 106* giving the Black Caps something to bowl at.