Rain disrupted the opening T20I between India and Australia at Manuka Oval, Canberra, as persistent showers forced officials to abandon the match after just 9.4 overs on Wednesday.
India started strongly, racing to 97/1 with aggressive intent. Abhishek Sharma opened the innings but departed early for 10, slicing a slower ball from Nathan Ellis to mid-off. Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav then took control, building an unbeaten 62-run partnership. Gill remained unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls, while Yadav struck 39 off 24, displaying flair and precision.
Yadav’s elegant flick for six off Josh Hazlewood lit up the brief innings. Meanwhile, Australia struggled in the field under slippery conditions. Marcus Stoinis misjudged a ground ball, and Josh Philippe dropped a catch that gave Yadav a reprieve on 18. Ellis nearly dismissed Gill, but ball-tracking ruled the LBW appeal as “Umpire’s Call.”
As rain intensified, match officials called off the game, leaving the sold-out crowd disappointed. Despite the washout, India’s batting display offered a glimpse of their firepower, setting the tone for the remainder of the five-match series.
Earlier in the day, Australia made a squad change, ruling out Matt Short due to finger surgery and bringing in Ben McDermott as cover.
Looking ahead, the second T20I will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, November 1, with action beginning at 7:15 PM AEDT.
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