Rain Halts India’s Charge As First T20I Against Australia Called Off In Canberra

Rain had the final say at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, where the first T20I between India and Australia was abandoned after persistent showers interrupted play twice.

India had looked well set with the bat, scoring 97 for 1 in 9.4 overs, when the weather forced the match officials to call off proceedings on Wednesday.

Under grey skies, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill began confidently, putting on a 35-run stand for the first wicket before Nathan Ellis dismissed Abhishek.

The dismissal brought Suryakumar Yadav to the crease, who immediately stamped his authority with a trademark flick over deep backward square leg — his 150th six in T20 internationals.

Rain Interruptions and Revised Play

The first interruption came after five overs, halting play for nearly 40 minutes. Once the rain subsided, play resumed with the match reduced to 18 overs per side.

Gill and Suryakumar made the most of the restart, adding a fluent 62-run partnership off just 35 balls.

Both batters found their rhythm quickly, striking crisp boundaries and accelerating the scoring rate before the rain returned to end the contest prematurely.

At the time of abandonment, Suryakumar was unbeaten on 39 and Gill on 37, guiding India to an impressive 97/1.

Despite the curtailed innings, India’s top order displayed sharp form and intent — a positive sign for the games ahead.

The washed-out fixture marked another weather-affected game in the India–Australia tour, following rain disruptions during the ODI series.

Commentators summed up the mood aptly: “At least in Perth, we got a result. No such luck today.”

Fans left the venue disappointed, with hopes now pinned on clearer skies in Melbourne, where the second T20I is scheduled for Friday. However, forecasts there too suggest a chance of rain.

Injury Update: Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out

Meanwhile, the BCCI ruled out all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from the first three T20Is due to fitness concerns.

“The all-rounder, who was recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the second ODI in Adelaide, complained of neck spasms, which have affected his recovery and mobility. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” the board said in an official statement.

With the series still wide open, both teams will be eager to gain momentum in Melbourne.

India will look to continue their positive batting approach, while Australia will hope the weather allows for an uninterrupted contest as the T20 series progresses.

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