Persistent rain had the final say at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, forcing the abandonment of the first T20I between India and Australia on Wednesday. India were well placed at 97 for 1 in 9.4 overs before steady showers returned, ending any chance of a result.
The evening began under overcast skies, with Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh opting to field after winning the toss. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a fluent start, adding 35 runs for the first wicket before Nathan Ellis dismissed Abhishek.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav joined Gill and immediately set the tone, launching a trademark flick over deep backward square leg, his 150th six in T20 internationals, to get off the mark in style.
Rain halted play after five overs, delaying proceedings for about 40 minutes. When play resumed, the contest was shortened to 18 overs per side. The Indian pair showed no signs of rust, counterattacking with a flurry of boundaries in an unbeaten 62-run partnership off just 35 balls. Both batters appeared in complete control, with Suryakumar unbeaten on 39 and Gill on 37 when the rain returned to wash out the match for good.
The washed-out game marked another weather-hit chapter in the series, following interruptions during the ODIs as well. “At least in Perth, we got a result. No such luck today,” quipped the commentators as disappointed fans began leaving the stands.
Attention now shifts to Melbourne for the second T20I on Friday, though rain clouds may again threaten to play spoilsport.
Reddy ruled out of first three T20Is
Meanwhile, the BCCI confirmed that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the first three T20Is due to fitness concerns. Reddy, 22, had sustained a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI against Australia on October 23. He missed the following ODI in Sydney, which India won by nine wickets to cut down the series margin to 2-1.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out for the first three T20Is. The all-rounder, who was recovering from his left quadriceps injury sustained during the second ODI in Adelaide, complained of neck spasms, which have impacted his recovery and mobility. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” the board said in an updated statement.