Weather Woes: Rain Washes Out India-Australia T20I Series Opener

India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, returned to form with impressive strikes, but unfortunately, bad weather overshadowed the excitement, resulting in the abandonment of the first T20 International against Australia due to continuous rain on Wednesday.

His deputy, Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 37 from 20 balls, also showed strong form. Yadav displayed controlled aggression, hitting an array of stylish shots on his way to an unbeaten 39 from 24 balls. Together, the pair accumulated 62 runs off 35 deliveries for the second wicket, and both seemed poised for bigger contributions had the game continued.

Having struggled in 2025 with a strike rate below 110 and just 100 runs, Suryakumar highlighted his former status as the world’s top-ranked T20 batsman with a striking shot off Josh Hazlewood, sending the ball over the square leg boundary. This shot bolstered his confidence, aided by the Manuka Oval pitch’s favorable bounce and carry—key factors in his playing style.

For additional insight, read: Rohit Sharma tops ICC ODI batting rankings for first time.

Yadav stayed in control till he reached 20, then launched an offensive in the 10th over bowled by Nathan Ellis. His attack included a square-cut, an off-drive, and a powerful pull over mid-wicket for six before rain halted play.

Gill balanced careful play with aggressive shots, including a powerful slog-swept six over cow corner off left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, breaking the initial caution.

India faced two rain interruptions in their 9.4-over innings. In the productive 4.4 overs post the first stoppage, they gathered 54 runs as the rain-soaked ball became tricky for the Australian bowlers to handle.

Earlier, Abhishek Sharma scored 19 off 14 balls, initiating the assault with three fours off Xavier Bartlett. However, he fell to a slower ball from Ellis, caught by the mid-off fielder when he couldn’t elevate the shot enough after Gill’s initial boundary-laden start off Ellis.

Published on October 29, 2025.