Canberra : The opening match of the five-match T20I series between India and Australia was called off on Wednesday after repeated rain interruptions. When the match was finally abandoned, India had reached 97 for 1 in 9.4 overs. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who appeared to have rediscovered his trademark aggressive touch, was denied a big innings by persistent showers.
After opener Abhishek Sharma fell cheaply, captain Suryakumar Yadav (39* off 24 balls, 2 sixes, 3 fours) and vice-captain Shubman Gill (37* off 20 balls, 1 six, 4 fours) added an unbeaten 62-run partnership for the second wicket before rain ended play.
Abhishek’s Short Stay
World No. 1 batter Abhishek Sharma managed just 19 runs, hitting three fours off Xavier Bartlett before being dismissed by Nathan Ellis, caught by Tim David at mid-off. Earlier, rain had already shortened the match to 18 overs a side, and further delays made it impossible to continue, leading to an eventual washout.
Surya’s Spark Against Hazlewood
Suryakumar showcased glimpses of his peak form, smashing two sixes and three boundaries. One particularly stunning moment came when he lofted Josh Hazlewood over the square-leg boundary with effortless timing — a trademark shot that highlighted his confidence. The Manuka Oval pitch in Canberra offered true bounce, ideal for Surya’s stroke play, but his fluent innings was cut short by the downpour.
A Return to IPL Form
Surya had struggled for runs in the recent Asia Cup T20, but he had earlier finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL with 717 runs, and that same touch was visible again in Canberra. India looked set to post a formidable total, but the rain gods had other plans. The second T20 will be played on Friday in Melbourne, starting at 1:45 p.m. (local time).
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