The opening T20I between India and Australia at Manuka Oval in Canberra was abandoned due to rain, with India in a strong position at 1-97 after 9.4 overs. The match was reduced to 18 overs per side after an earlier rain delay, but persistent showers forced the players off the field for good.
Sent in to bat by Australia captain Mitch Marsh, India's openers raced to 35 off 3.5 overs before Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for 16, caught by Tim David off Nathan Ellis. Captain Suryakumar Yadav (39 not out) and Shubman Gill (37 not out) then added 62 runs to put India in a commanding position.
Suryakumar survived a chance on 20 when wicketkeeper Josh Philippe, playing his first international match in two years, dropped a difficult catch running back towards the boundary. The Indian captain made Australia pay, hitting Ellis for two fours and a six before rain returned and ended play.
The sold-out crowd, largely supporting India, missed the chance to see fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah bowl, while Australia captain Marsh was unable to press his Ashes hopes. Australia won the preceding ODI series 2-1 but now face a tough task in the remaining four T20Is against the reigning T20 world champions.
The second match of the series is scheduled for Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with both teams hoping for better weather.
