AUS vs IND 1st T20I: Match Called Off Due To Persistent Rain. The first T20I match between India and Australia at Manuka Oval, Canberra, came to a disappointment when rain interrupted the match and ultimately led to abandonment on Wednesday. After India lost the toss and were asked to bat first, they were well placed at 97/1 in 9.4 overs when the rain fell again, rendering the match with no result.
Rain disrupted the start of the match, reducing the first innings to 18 overs. Young Abhishek Sharma got India off to a quick start, striking the ball at 19 off 14 balls before Nathan Ellis dismissed him. Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav then took control, attacking the opposition from the very first ball. Gill remained unbeaten with 37 off 20 deliveries, and Suryakumar excited the crowd with 39* off 24 balls. The two built a partnership of 62 runs off just 35 balls before the rain returned and ended the match.
Rain and Curfew Combine to End Play Early
The conditions deteriorated rapidly, and after multiple inspections, play could not continue. Compounding the frustrations was Canberra’s strict 11 p.m. floodlight curfew preventing play from being extended past the scheduled time. As play could not be resumed, the umpires officially abandoned play.
Both teams will therefore share the points, but India will take confidence from the powerful batting displayed – particularly the fluency of Gill and Suryakumar. Australia were denied the chance to test India’s total in what would have been effective under lights.
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The five-match series is effectively now a four-match series, with the second T20I scheduled for Melbourne on October 31. Both teams will be motivated for a fresh start, as both teams want to gain the upper hand early on in the series.
