Rain washed out the opening men's T20I between Australia and India at Manuka Oval on Wednesday night, leaving India frustrated after a strong start. The visitors were 1-97 off 9.4 overs when play was abandoned.
The match had already been reduced to 18 overs per side after a 45-minute rain delay earlier. Australia captain Mitch Marsh sent India in to bat, and openers raced to 35 off 3.5 overs before Abhishek Sharma (16) was caught off Nathan Ellis.
A 62-run partnership between captain Suryakumar Yadav (39 not out) and Shubman Gill (37 not out) put India in command. Australia missed a chance to dismiss Suryakumar on 20 when wicket-keeper Josh Philippe dropped a difficult catch.
Suryakumar punished Australia soon after, hitting Ellis for two fours and a six before rain returned for good. The sold-out crowd, mostly India fans, missed seeing Jasprit Bumrah bowl, while Marsh could not press his Ashes case.
Australia won the ODI series 2-1 but now faces a tough challenge in the remaining four T20s against the reigning T20 world champions. The second match is at the MCG on Friday.
