The highly anticipated first T20 International between India and Australia in Canberra was unfortunately abandoned due to persistent rain after just 9.4 overs of play. What promised to be a thrilling contest was cut short, leaving cricket fans disappointed.
India’s innings had started with good momentum. Although Abhishek Sharma departed early, setting a brisk pace, Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav quickly took control. They built a formidable 62-run partnership off only 35 balls, showcasing aggressive batting.
Just as India seemed to be in full swing, with the score at 97 for 1 after 9.4 overs, the heavens opened up once more, and this time, the rain was relentless. After several pitch inspections, the umpires ultimately decided to call off the game, much to the dismay of both teams and spectators.
A significant highlight for India was the brief but impactful return to form by their skipper, Suryakumar Yadav. He began his innings with a signature six over the deep square leg boundary off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling.
Yadav received a stroke of luck when Josh Philippe dropped him off Xavier Bartlett’s delivery. Philippe, sprinting back from mid-on and diving full stretch, got his hands on the ball but couldn’t hold on. The ball had kicked up with extra bounce, and Yadav’s attempted loft shot looped over the umpire’s head before safely landing.
The Manuka Oval pitch, known for its good bounce and carry, perfectly suited Suryakumar’s attacking style. After reaching 20 runs, he further accelerated his scoring in Nathan Ellis’s tenth over, hitting an uppish square-cut, an off-drive, and a powerful pull shot for another six, just before the rain halted play.
Shubman Gill’s performance was equally commendable, blending cautious play with impressive aggressive strokes. A notable moment was his six over cow corner off left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, which visibly shifted the innings’ momentum.
The match experienced two rain interruptions during India’s 9.4 overs. The period immediately following the first break was particularly fruitful for India, as they scored 54 runs in 4.4 overs. The wet conditions also posed challenges for the Australian bowlers, making it difficult to grip the ball effectively.
Abhishek Sharma had provided a quick start, scoring 19 runs off 14 balls, including three boundaries against Xavier Bartlett. His innings, however, concluded when he mistimed Ellis’s slower delivery, resulting in a catch at mid-off.