Persistent rainfall led to the abandonment of the opening Twenty20 match between Australia and India on Wednesday, with Suryakumar Yadav at 39 not out and Shubman Gill at 37. The visitors were on a strong position at 97-1 off 9.4 overs before the inclement weather intervened, halting play for the second time.
India’s Abhishek Sharma showcased his T20 prowess early in the game, taking on Josh Hazlewood aggressively. Sharma hit four boundaries in a quick 19-run cameo but fell victim to Nathan Ellis’ slower delivery, caught by Tim David at mid-off.
Captain Yadav made a statement with a massive six off Hazlewood before the rain interrupted play with India at 43-1 from five overs. Upon resumption, Yadav and Gill picked up the pace, but the rain returned, and play was halted again with India at 97-1, leading to the match’s premature conclusion.
The next match is scheduled to take place at the packed Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.